Fort Portal City Leaders Visit Poorly Constructed Bridges, Call For Reconstruction Plans

Fort Portal City, 7th January 2025 – In a determined move to improve infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Fort Portal City, Mr. Bayole Stanley, accompanied by the City Mayor, Town Clerk, Division Clerk, City Engineer, technical staff, city councilors, and division councilors, conducted an on-site inspection of the Kanyamuliimi and Madako bridges.

These two critical bridges, previously constructed by the Ministry of Works, have faced growing criticism from the public due to their poor quality, which has led to structural weaknesses and safety concerns. The visit aimed to assess the current status of the bridges and discuss strategies for their reconstruction under the city’s ambitious One Billion Program.

Speaking to the media during the visit, RCC Bayole Stanley emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly.

"The Kanyamuliimi and Madako bridges are lifelines for communities here. Their poor construction has compromised safety and economic activities. As city leadership, we cannot sit back and watch. We are committed to using resources under the One Billion Program to rebuild them properly and ensure they meet required standards," he said.

The City Engineer presented a detailed report on the bridges, highlighting key areas of failure, including cracks in the foundation, substandard materials, and insufficient drainage systems. Residents in the area shared their frustrations, citing frequent flooding and restricted movement caused by the compromised bridges.

The City Mayor expressed optimism about the reconstruction project, stating that local contractors and engineers would be prioritized for the work to ensure quality and accountability.

"This is not just about repairing bridges; it’s about restoring trust in public infrastructure. We’ll work closely with the technical team to ensure every shilling is accounted for and the bridges are built to last," the Mayor said.

The visit marked the beginning of a comprehensive planning process, with designs and budgets set to be finalized in the coming weeks. Once complete, the new bridges will support economic activities, including trade and transport, and strengthen connections between communities in Fort Portal City.