Residents of Bumufuni Parish, Khabutola Sub-county, in Manafwa District held a peaceful demonstration this morning to protest the poor condition of the Maare-Kalidi road.
According to Robert Malinga, a local resident, the sub-county road has not been rehabilitated for over twenty years. He urged well-wishers and political leaders to support the locals in rehabilitating the road themselves, as the sub-county authorities have neglected its repair.
Samson Mukhwana, another area resident, stated that their Member of Parliament, Christopher Welikhe, had promised during his campaign to use his own funds to rehabilitate small feeder roads. However, this promise has yet to be fulfilled.
Kenth Wakoko, a Boda Boda rider, mentioned that transportation costs have increased due to the impassable road, making it difficult to transport expectant mothers to nearby health centers for delivery.
When contacted, Sezi Kaboole, the LCIII Chairperson of Khabutola Sub-county, stated that the sub-county receives limited funds for road rehabilitation. He explained that the two million shillings allocated annually are insufficient to rehabilitate over 20 roads in the sub-county.
Kaboole reassured residents that the Maare-Kalidi road has been included in the plan and will be worked on in the 2024/25 financial year.
Attempts to contact Christopher Welikhe, the MP representing Bubulo West constituency in Manafwa District, for comments on his campaign promise were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls.
By
Weswa Ronnie
