The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Abim, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Local Government has successfully completed the rehabilitation of a 16.267km road connecting Abim in Karamoja to Agago district in Acholi sub-region. This road project was carried out as part of the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) program and cost 1.8 billion Shillings.
The road is one of several district and community access roads that have been rehabilitated under the DINU program, totaling 93.579km at a cost of 7.6 billion Shillings. Other roads included in this initiative are the Atunga-Koya road (8.536km), Aninata-Adwal road (12.134km), and Alerek-Kathimongor road (7.82km).
During the commissioning of the Abuk-Awach district road, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, representing the Minister of Local Government, emphasized the importance of the community taking ownership of and protecting government facilities like roads.
The government has provided funds to districts for road maintenance, and locals play a vital role in keeping the roads in good condition.
The Minister also encouraged the community to focus on agricultural production and economic development facilitated by the newly rehabilitated road, emphasizing that it should be used for positive purposes rather than spreading rumors.
Anthony Namara, the head of Local Economic Development in the Ministry of Local Government reiterated the message of community responsibility for road maintenance, highlighting the need for the community to take care of the road as they have done in the past through road gangs.
But Peter Akileng, a resident of Awach sub-county who described the earlier status of the road as a “garden” believes that with the rehabilitation, locals in his area will be able to access the weekly market in Agago district.
Sunday Elizabeth Awili, a member of Awach Sub-county farmers group explained that they were stuck with 40 metric tons of grains in the store due to the poor road network. She is excited that the World Food Program which has been purchasing the grains will now be able to access the store and transport the produce. Adding that pregnant women and children will be able to access medical care.
Overall, the rehabilitation of this road has increased the district’s road network from 198km to 275.91km and community access roads from 236.9km to 253.03km, marking a 35 percent improvement in the condition of roads across the entire district.
Happening Now: Commissioning of Abuk-Awach Road in Abim District constructed under the Development Initiative of Northern Uganda project (DINU) with funding from the @GovUganda , @UNCDF @UNCDFLocalDev & @EUinUG
Thank you @KwiyucwinyGrace, @DDPozhidaev pic.twitter.com/82C15sUfCu— Ministry of Local Government (@MoLGUganda) September 15, 2023
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