Arua City MPs Push for Completion of Stalled Alizo Bridge Project in Ayivu West
The two Legislators, Hon. Mourine Osoru (Left) and Hon. Phiona Onzima (Right) in a group photo with the local leaders Photo by Matata Benzamin
Legislators representing Arua City are calling for the stalled Alizo Bridge project in Anyara ward, Ayivu West Constituency to be followed up and completed to ease access to schools, markets and other essential services in the community.
The project, which was handed over to a contractor in 2022 reportedly at a cost of more than Shs60 million, was intended to construct a culvert bridge across the Alizo Valley. However, the works were later abandoned, leaving residents struggling to cross the valley, particularly during the rainy season.
The MPs raised the concern on Monday during an oversight visit to Anyara Primary School, where they witnessed the difficulty learners and community members face when accessing the school through the unfinished bridge.
Hon. Mourine Osoru, the Arua City Woman Member of Parliament, called for the city authorities to follow up on the project and ensure it is completed to serve its intended purpose.
“Alizo Bridge. Of course, money has been given previously, and that’s the status. The status of the bridge is not good. So money has been eaten also there. I was told, including Woko Bridge. I see the two are contracted by the same contractor. I don’t know what’s happening, but the government of Arua City should wake up and follow.” Osoru said.
She said completing the bridge would improve access and support economic activities for residents who depend on the route to reach schools, markets and places of worship.
“Communities use this bridge to access services. City should look at what went wrong and where the value for money ended. Because now, if you look at the status of this bridge, Alizo Bridge is not okay. So I pray that more money is given to complete it.”
Hon. Phiona Onzima, the MP for Ayivu West, said the poor state of the bridge is also affecting children’s access to education, especially during the rainy season.
“The people of Anyara are crying out loud. Some pupils have to cross bridges to reach schools. But you find due to the poor state of the bridge, poor state of the roads.” MP Phiona noted.
She said some pupils are forced to remain at home when the valley floods and becomes difficult to cross.
“…some pupils decide to remain home and drop out because during the rainy season it is always difficult for pupils to cross from their homes to the schools.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Robert Adriko, the area councillor for Anyara Ward, said the bridge has become a major hindrance to accessing social services whenever the valley floods.
“I’ve tried to raise the issue of the river, which is hindering our movement. Before I came into office, I was much aware that there was construction work going on in this river, but it didn’t go up to its completion. It ended on the way.” Adriko explained
He said he has prepared a report on the stalled project to be submitted to the division and city authorities, hoping it will lead to action to complete the works.
“I have tried to consult from the previous leaders and even those who could give information. I was told the True Stars Investment Limited was the one in charge of this construction, but they left it on the way. I have compiled a report about the bridge to be forwarded to the city and division, but I pray they should really come on ground and complete this work.”
Margaret Ajio, the head teacher of Anyara Primary School, said learner attendance drops significantly whenever there is heavy rainfall because pupils struggle to cross the flooded valley.
“Our children come from this end, and they find difficulties in passing, if there is rain, the water floods. They don’t come to school unless it is the dry season when they come to school, and that is a very big challenge.” She said
“If only the government comes in and helps us in constructing the bridge, we could have so many pupils in this school.”
Residents and local leaders are now calling for the project to be revived and completed to provide a reliable crossing and improve access to education and other services.
The Alizo Bridge is among infrastructure projects in Ayivu Division that remain incomplete, including the Shs583 million Woko Bridge project, which has also faced delays.