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The suspension of ferry operations across the Nile on February 14, 2024, has had significant repercussions for communities in Obongi and Adjumani districts. Leaders and business stakeholders are urging swift repairs to the Obongi ferry and the reconstruction of the Laropi Bridge to mitigate the economic fallout experienced in the region.
As the ferry remains grounded for several weeks, local businesses, particularly the fish trade, have been severely impacted. Gift Ismail, Chairperson of Obongi Town Council, highlights the adverse effects of the ferry’s inactivity on the local economy, emphasizing the urgent need for its restoration.
The decision to suspend ferry operations was prompted by the deployment of a team from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to address issues at the Sinyanya landing site in Adjumani. The UNRA’s efforts aim to ensure the safe and full operational capacity of the Obongi ferry, essential for regional commerce.
Allan Ssempebwa, UNRA Communications Officer, confirms the commencement of work to install culverts at critical points in Sinyanya, a measure to enhance safety and stability. Ssempebwa outlines plans to evaluate the progress of these repairs within the coming week, signaling a potential resumption of ferry services once safety concerns are addressed.
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The temporary suspension of ferry operations is viewed as a precautionary measure to mitigate safety risks associated with rising water levels in the River Nile. Meanwhile, affected communities have turned to the Laropi ferry, operating along the Nile between Moyo and Adjumani districts, as an interim solution to their transportation needs.
Leaders, including former Adjumani district chairperson James Leku Pili, advocate for the prioritization of the Laropi-Umi Bridge construction as an alternative crossing point. However, Ssempebwa notes that immediate implementation of this proposal is hindered by financial constraints, delaying its realization.
The proposed Laropi-Umi bridge, situated at the intersection of the Atiak-Laropi road and Laropi-Moyo-Afoji route over the River Nile, holds promise for facilitating smoother transportation and trade links once completed. Despite the current challenges, stakeholders remain hopeful for prompt action to restore vital transportation infrastructure and revive economic activities in the affected regions.
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