Bundibugyo, Uganda – What was supposed to be a routine inspection turned into a scene of utter disappointment Hon. Balaam visited Tokwe Bridge in Bundibugyo District.
The Minister was left visibly shocked after finding the bridge, which reportedly cost taxpayers Shs 350 million, completely broken and impassable.
Instead of a concrete bridge, residents have been forced to improvise a risky temporary wooden pathway balanced on top of what remains of the collapsed structure to cross River Tokwe.
The bridge is a critical lifeline linking communities of Kanyamwerima, Bundinyama, and Hakitara to Bundibugyo Town. Its collapse has cut off access to markets, schools and health facilities.
A close inspection of the debris revealed the alleged reason for its premature collapse – not a single iron bar was used in its construction. What was presented as a reinforced concrete bridge was in fact only plain concrete and sand, making it unable to withstand the force of the river.
“This is broad daylight theft of government money. How can someone build a bridge worth 350 million without any iron bars? This is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it,” Hon. Balaam said.
“We are risking our lives every day, especially our children going to school. When it rains, the wooden logs become slippery and the river is very dangerous. We need a real bridge,” one resident said.
River Tokwe Bridge is among several bridges in Bundibugyo that have been damaged by floods and poor workmanship. The district remains one of Uganda’s hard-to-reach and disaster-prone areas.
