Poor Roads in Lira City Leave Residents Struggling During Rainy Season

Residents and road users in Lira City are raising concern over the poor condition of several roads, saying damaged road surfaces and potholes are making movement difficult and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly during the rainy season.

Some of the roads reportedly affected include areas around Centenary Bank, Junior Quarters Road, Lango College Road, Teso Bar Road and Odokomit Road, among several other roads within the city. The situation has become particularly challenging during the rainy season, when potholes collect water and make it difficult for motorists, boda boda riders and pedestrians to use the roads safely.

One pedestrian said walking along some of the affected roads during rainy weather has become a major challenge because vehicles and motorcycles trying to avoid potholes can splash dirty water onto people. “During raining seasons like August that we are in, it is hard to walk on the road because you easily stand a chance of being splashed with dirty water as cars and motorcycles try to navigate the potholes,” the pedestrian said.

Jane Acio, a resident who was splashed with dirty water by a passing car while on her way to work this morning, said residents need urgent action to improve the city's roads. “We need serious help concerning road maintenance to ease our movement, not just during the rainy season, but a good road is essential,” Acio said. For pedestrians, the problem is not only about inconvenience. Water-filled potholes can make it difficult to identify the actual depth of damaged sections, forcing people to move closer to the edges of the road or find alternative routes.

Boda boda riders are also among those affected by the deteriorating roads. Mark Opio, a boda boda rider, said riding has become increasingly difficult because of the damaged road surfaces. “Riding has become very hard because of the damages on the roads,” Opio said.

According to road users, navigating potholes also increases the risk of motorcycle and vehicle damage. Riders may be forced to suddenly change direction or brake when approaching large potholes, creating additional risks for other road users. Traders operating along some of the affected roads also face challenges as customers and suppliers struggle to access their businesses, while transportation costs can increase when vehicles and motorcycles require more frequent repairs.

Residents are now calling on the responsible authorities to prioritize road maintenance and rehabilitation in Lira City, particularly on roads that experience heavy traffic. They argue that repairing damaged roads would improve transportation, reduce the risk of accidents, protect vehicles and motorcycles from damage, and make movement easier for pedestrians. The concerns come as the rainy season continues, with residents urging authorities to address drainage and pothole problems before some road sections deteriorate further.

Authorities responsible for the affected roads are expected to explain the condition of the roads, ongoing maintenance efforts and plans for rehabilitation of the most damaged sections. For residents and road users, the call is simple: better roads are essential for a safer, cleaner and more accessible Lira City.