The rehabilitation of Lira-Otuke to Abim highway has finally kicked off. The highway links the three districts of Lira, Alebtong and Otuke to Abim district. Construction work started on Sunday August 19th.
The construction of the 88km highway will cost 2 billion Uganda Shillings and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
This is the first time the road is being rehabilitated since Otuke was carved out of Lira district in 2007.The construction is being undertaken by Universal Engineering Company.
Patrick Agona, a Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) engineer based in Lira town, told URN that the road will be constructed with first class murrum.
The road had developed potholes and during rainy seasons and was all but impassable. Earlier this year, 14 legislators from Lango region travelling for the burial of clan chief Alfred Oluge in Otuke nearly missed the funeral because of the poor state of the road.
The rehabilitation work started with bush clearing along Akia trading centre in Adekokwok sub-county Lira district, Barr, Adwari, and Olilim sub-county in Otuke district.
Benson Ogwang Ogoo, Otuke district LCV chief, says once the road is fixed the revenue collection in the district will increase.
Ogwang says due to bad roads, the district was not able to realize its proper revenue, adding that it will also provide bigger market for the residents.
Bosco Ogwang, a local trader at Barr trading Centre in Lira district, says he is optimistic that the road construction will improve his business.
Ogwang noted that due to the bad roads, he has not been limited on the number of times he can transport his bananas for sale to Lira town.
