By Sabir Musa

Construction of Go-Down road in the central business area of Arua City by China Railway Seventh Group, the company contracted to implement the project is a relief to road users in Arua City who have endured poor condition of this road for years. “I am very happy that the road work is ongoing”, says a Denis Orionzi, a boda-boda rider in the City.

With funding of 13 billion shillings from World Bank, the city is now constructing the 1.5 km road under Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID), a similar project that is also benefiting Gulu City in Northern Uganda. In this project for Arua, other roads like Adumi (in park), market and Taban lanes will be constructed as they connect to Go-Down road. Denis says, he will be able to save money that he used to spend on maintenance of motorcycle since the road will be fine. “Previously we suffered so much on this road while doing our work due to potholes on the road, but now that it is enlarged and maintained makes me happy” he says. By time of publishing this article, the contractor was already leveling both Go-Down and Adumi roads with marrum spread.Among other components of the project include installation of solar powered street lights, installation of garbage management equipment and road markings.

Arua City Mayor, Wadri Sam Nyakua commends progress of work but shares challenge on the increased number of roads after former Ayivu Division was curved to form part of the city. “About 45 roads were opened by Ayivu Division and others opened by Arua Central Division” he reveals. However, Leader of Government Business in Arua Central Division, Jackson Dratibi notes that, the meager funding is affecting road maintenance in the division.

Out of about 1 billion budgeted under roads sector in the city, only 400 million shillings was received through Uganda Road Fund according to report by the city mayor, a factor that affects maintenance of roads in the city.