Oyam and Amolatar districts in the Lango Sub-region have launched road rehabilitation projects to address the damage caused by heavy rains between September and December last year. The government has allocated Shs1 billion for each district for road works, aimed at repairing and improving road conditions.
Oyam District, with a total of 572kms of road, received Shs500 million in the first and second quarters of the Financial Year 2023/2024. The funds will be utilized to rehabilitate 102kms of roads, prioritizing areas with urgent needs. Oyam District Chairperson, Mr. Benson Walter Dila, acknowledged the insufficient funds, stating that Shs1 billion is a fraction of what is required but emphasized that it is a positive step nonetheless. Works include repairing roads from Loro Market to Corner Aber and from Ngai to Opit at the Omoro border.
Amolatar District, with 13 sub-counties and three town councils, is leveraging the Shs1 billion from the Road Rehabilitation Fund to work on eight roads covering a distance of 120kms. District Chairperson Mr. Geoffrey Ocen outlined that these roads connect sub-counties, aiming to improve community access to essential services like schools and health facilities. An additional Shs464 million for Road Transport Infrastructure (RTI) will be used to rehabilitate 70kms of roads damaged by floods in 2022. The district aims to complete all rehabilitation work by June.
However, some leaders express concerns over the adequacy of the allocated funds, considering the extensive road network in their districts. Mr. Dila emphasized the need for at least Shs5 billion to comprehensively address road rehabilitation requirements in Oyam District.
In a remarkable display of community initiative, residents like Ms. Vicky Akello in Aboke Town Council, Kole District, have taken matters into their own hands. Ms. Akello and her community mobilized to repair local roads independently, recognizing the limitations of government resources. Local leaders, such as Mr. Samuel Peter Oruk, the LC1 chairman of Akaidebe ‘B’ Cell, emphasized the importance of community engagement, holding regular meetings to address local issues and devise action plans.
