The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Amuru, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Rampant theft of construction materials and adverse weather has impeded the ongoing construction of the 66 kilometer Atiak-Laropi road, which connects Amuru and Adjumani districts.
The Government and European Union-EU sunk Shillings 16.3billion into upgrading the road that runs from the Gulu-Atiak-Nimule highway junction to boost economic development and eradicate household poverty.
Upon completion, the road will contribute towards improved transport and facilitate trade and commerce along the Uganda-South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo borders.
Bernard Ocan, the Deputy Team Leader and an on-site Resident Consultant Engineer disclosed to URN that Strabag International, an Austrian based multinational construction company is losing material to theft especially the syphoning of diesel from trucks.
Ocan also revealed that 10 of the 30 months’ project period has elapsed since the road upgrade work was rolled-out around June 2020 and ending in 2023. He however observed that adverse weather conditions resulting from heavy rainfall has made the soil alignment difficult.
Geoffrey Osborn Oceng, the Amuru Resident District Commissioner attributes such thefts to idle youth within the communities along the road that traverses Atiak- Dzaipi and Pakelle Townships.
To mitigate the challenge, Oceng emphasized the need to recruit more casual labourers with a proper record and recommendation from their local council leaders. He also warned against delayed payment of labourers to avoid unnecessary tension.
The EU’s Head of Section – Inclusive Green Economy, Palvos Evangelidis has challenged locals to tap opportunities that the road upgrade will create because it will connect remote areas, enhance transport services and boost agronomy.
The project is being implemented under the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) Programme with 85% and 15% funding by the EU and government respectively.
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