Muni’s Multimillion Woko Bridge, Road, and Borehole Project Launched
Site groundbreaking symbolization by the vitu leaders and locals
ARUA CITY: Arua City’s Roads Committee, led by Hon. Feta Geoffrey, also the MP for Ayivu East Constituency, has officially handed over the site for the construction of the Woko box culvert bridge, a 2-kilometer first-class marram road, and a borehole in Muni’s Nyio Ward.
The UGX 700 million project, awarded to local firm True Stars, is funded by the Ministry of Energy as part of its corporate social responsibility for land provided by the Muni community for the Arua Power Substation.
The project is slated for completion within three months, by December 2025.
During the handover ceremony on Monday, Hon. Feta explained that the project faced delays due to a lack of written documentation, which initially hindered the Ministry’s ability to honor its commitment.
As Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Feta advocated for the project’s inclusion in the Ministry’s budget.
Although only UGX 99 million was released last financial year due to competing priorities, the remaining funds are expected this quarter (October–December).
“We have handed over the site to the contractor for the bridge, road, and borehole,” Feta said.
“This community faces significant challenges, especially schoolchildren crossing the dangerous river. We expect the contractor to deliver high-quality work within the three-month timeline.”
Gloria Alioru, a local resident, highlighted the difficulties caused by the absence of a bridge, which has limited access to essential services like education, healthcare, and markets.
“When the river floods, it’s slippery and dangerous. Many of our children struggle to cross, and our businesses suffer. This bridge will open opportunities for education and trade,” she said.
Ayivu Division Mayor Malon Avutia described the project as a major relief, noting that the bridge and road will provide the shortest route between Ocoko and Arua, boosting trade and access to social services.
He recalled last year’s protests by Nyio Ward residents, who opposed the power substation’s commissioning due to the Ministry’s unfulfilled promises.
“The community even dug trenches to block access, but we reassured them the project would proceed. Now, it’s happening, and we demand quality work using approved local materials,” Malon emphasized.
The project’s approval follows last year’s tensions, when residents protested the substation’s commissioning until the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fund the road, bridge, and borehole.