MPs Question Delayed Amodo Bridge Project in Dokolo

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the slow progress of the Amodo Bridge project in Dokolo District, questioning why construction has remained incomplete several years after work began.

The bridge project, estimated at Shs7 billion, has reportedly reached only about 5 percent completion, despite the government having released approximately Shs500 million towards the works.

The concerns emerged during an inspection by the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances, which visited the area to assess the progress of the project.

Construction stalled

According to officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, construction works were affected after water from Lake Kwania flooded the project site.

The flooding and backflow from the lake have made it difficult for contractors to continue with the planned works.

However, members of the parliamentary committee questioned whether enough had been done to address the challenges and ensure that the project progresses.

The committee's visit followed concerns raised in Parliament over the continued delay of the bridge.

Bridge important to local communities

The Amodo Bridge is expected to improve connectivity for communities in Dokolo and surrounding areas by making movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods easier.

The continued delay has therefore raised concerns among residents who depend on the route for transportation and access to markets and other services.

For farmers, reliable road infrastructure is particularly important because poor connectivity can increase transport costs and make it difficult to get agricultural produce to markets on time.

Committee demands answers

The Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances has demanded clearer explanations from the responsible authorities over the project's slow progress.

The committee is expected to assess the challenges affecting the project and establish what measures are required to get construction moving again.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has also been expected to provide information on how the flooding challenge can be addressed to allow construction to continue.

The continued delay has renewed calls for government to ensure that major infrastructure projects in rural communities are completed within reasonable timelines.

Residents in the affected areas are now waiting to see whether the parliamentary intervention will lead to renewed construction activity at the Amodo Bridge.