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Residents of Kaazi-Malanga landing site in Kalangala district find themselves facing a new reality akin to being marooned on an isolated island. Recent heavy rainfall has led to a surge in the water levels of Lake Victoria, resulting in the inundation of their main access road. With this vital connection submerged, over 600 islanders have resorted to utilizing an aged boat as their primary means of transportation.
Previously, access from Kaazi-Malanga to Buggala, the principal administrative island, was facilitated by road. However, the persistent downpours witnessed in recent weeks, mirroring conditions in other parts of the country, have led to the partial submersion of this road beneath the swelling waters of Lake Victoria. Consequently, the road has become passable only with the aid of watercraft.
The situation is compounded by the scarcity of viable transportation alternatives, leaving islanders reliant on a single dilapidated boat, fraught with dangers including submerged obstacles and the presence of snakes due to the proximity to papyrus. Ashraf Ssengendo, a resident of Kaazi-Malanga, lamented the challenges faced in accessing essential goods, as vehicles can no longer reach their landing site, exacerbating the difficulty of daily life.
The road connecting to the Kaazi-Malanga landing site, a five-kilometer stretch branching off from the Kalangala-Kyagalanyi main road, has seen approximately 400 meters reclaimed by Lake Victoria waters, effectively isolating residents. In response, local legislators have implored the office of the Prime Minister to intervene, labeling the situation a disaster and advocating for funding allocation towards the construction of a bridge to restore connectivity.
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During a monitoring exercise conducted by Kalangala district legislators, it was discovered that residents of Kaazi-Malanga are grappling with limited access to healthcare, educational facilities, and economic opportunities due to the severed link to Buggala island. Despite efforts to address the emergency, challenges persist, with limited funds hindering comprehensive solutions.
Hellen Nakimuli, the Kalangala district Woman MP, emphasized the need for prudent utilization of allocated funds to ensure effective road construction and mitigate wastage. With ongoing efforts to elevate 13 roads to murram level, connecting various landing sites on Buggala island to main roads and facilitating access to remote island communities, residents remain hopeful for improved transportation infrastructure amidst adversity.
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