The Ministry of Works and Transport announced that the Karuma Bridge, currently undergoing extensive repairs, is scheduled to officially open on December 20, 2024.
Roads State Minister, Musa Ecweru, confirmed that the bridge will be open to traffic following three months of major repairs.
However, a reliable source has revealed that only about 70% of the work has been completed, contrary to earlier reports suggesting the project was 80% finished.
The Ankole Times previously reported that engineers working on the project claimed 85% of the work had been completed. However, the latest information indicates that the bridge might not be ready for public use until mid-January 2025.
The original Karuma Bridge, built in 1963, was found to have significant structural defects, including corrosion and erosion.
As a result, the bridge’s deck and bearings were deemed beyond their expiry date. The ongoing Shs11 billion rehabilitation project involves removing the concrete deck, installing new formwork, and reinforcing the structure with new concrete and steel bars.
Efforts to reach a comment from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Minister Ecweru have been unsuccessful.
The Ankole Times continues to investigate the accuracy of the information regarding the bridge’s repair progress and will keep the public updated.
