By Emmanuel Olinga
KATAKWI
The government, through the Ministry of works and Transport, has injected Ugx One billion shillings into the Angerepo-Aumoi-Ongogonja road construction in Katakwi district to improve connectivity to social services.
The 8.4 kilometer road project began over the weekend with bush clearance and was handed over to SEECO Hardware and Construction Company Limited, which was charged with quality work projected to take six months to complete. The scope of the work will include culvert installation, murmuring, and shaping, with the majority of the work focused on the Aumoi Valley Dam.
Engineer Edward Gagula, who represented the PS from the Ministry of Works and Transport, stated that the road was injected with 1 billion shillings, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure throughout the country. He told the district that they would closely monitor work.
He also took the proactive action of inspecting the Okocho-Obulengorok-Oigom-momwa Ongongoja, Okoritok-Oburatum, and Katakwi town council roads, as directed by Vice President Alupo.
Her Excellency, the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, who presided over the launch of the roadworks, requested the Ministry of Works and Transport to collaborate with the contractors to ensure quality work and prompt completion.
She also urged communities to assist the project and warned contractors and residents against stealing road equipment and siphoning pipes.
Vice President Jessica Alupo also informed Katakwi District residents that various infrastructure issues, including roads and valley dams, will be addressed through the Uganda Climate-Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (UCSATP).
Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Chairperson for Katakwi district, praised the government’s intervention, noting that the road will assist the community in accessing government programs such as PDM. According to him, this road work will help improve the road network because the district’s specific road cost is equivalent to Ugx one billion, which the district receives as road funding.
Vincent Xavier Okwii, Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi district, advised citizens to assist with the contractor to establish a positive working environment for successful projects.
Lydia Apio Esezaa, the acting district engineer and project supervisor, stated that work will be closely monitored.
Mr. Edison Kasereka, the managing director of SEECO Construction Co. Ltd, admitted to working with a timeframe that promised quality work.
James Olasi, among other Ogangai residents, was thrilled about the start of the road work, saying that it will assist them access Katakwi district because it is a short cut road that takes around 30 minutes to connect to the major road from Usuk to Katakwi area.
They also encouraged the district and the Ministry of Works and Transportation to grade Ogaingai Okulunyo to Napak Road, which is one of the access roads to educational institutions.
