By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
The business community in Mbarara City, led by the Mbarara Business Community Association (MBACITA), has appealed to the city council to expedite the repair of Katete Bridge, which was closed a few weeks ago due to its dilapidated state.
The closure of the bridge has severely affected business operations in the Katete trading center, with shop owners reporting a significant decline in sales, and vendors and suppliers struggling to access the market. The fuel station, guest houses, and other businesses in the area are also feeling the pinch.
The traders are concerned about the prolonged closure of the bridge, which is threatening to reverse the gains made in the area’s development. They are seeking a clear program for the bridge’s reconstruction to enable them to plan accordingly.
In a letter to the city council, MBACITA Chairman, Mwijuka Simon Ssezi, appealed for a temporary solution, such as a makeshift path, to be constructed to allow children to access schools on the other side of the bridge. He also suggested that the traders be allowed to contribute funds to repair the bridge temporarily until a permanent solution is found.
In an interview with Parrots Media, the Mbarara City Lord Mayor Robert Kakyebeezi “Etaara” however, asked traders to express their grievances to the works minister, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala.
“Is it their mandate to construct bridges? I have no comments on their letter. Tell them to write to the ministry of works,” Lord Mayor Kakyebeezi said.
Traders and other road users demand that a temporary solution should be found soon to mitigate the suffering of the business community in Katete and Nyamitanga.
