By Lazarus Apunyo
Service delivery and trade in Lotisan Sub-county, Moroto district is facing a significant challenge due to poor state of key roads particularly Nawoi–Lokisilei road, which connects to the sub-county headquarters, cattle market, and the local health facility.
The road is in a deplorable condition and lacks bridges, making it difficult for residents and traders to access vital social services.
The locals have urged government to take immediate action and repair the roads, citing high costs of production and logistical challenges caused by deteriorating infrastructure.
James Okello, a boda-boda operator, noted that the situation worsens whenever it rains heavily, making it extremely difficult to navigate the roads.
“The roads are a dire state, riddled with huge potholes filled with water, which poses a serious challenge to motorists and cyclists”, said Okello.
He pointed out that poor state of roads in the area hurting business and denies locals access to vital social services as health care.
Okello explained that due to the bad road conditions, they now charge Shs5,000 for distances that previously cost Shs3,000.
The rains according to John Robert Adupa, the LC3 Chairperson of Lotisan Sub-county, have destroyed nearly all roads in the area, cutting off access even to administrative offices.
Adupa revealed that last year alone, six expectant mothers lost their lives due to the poor road network, which made it impossible for ambulances to reach them in time.
He recalled that on Sunday, another expectant mother narrowly survived death after the motorcycle transporting her got stuck on the muddy road.
Adupa said the woman was eventually rescued after the District Health Officer dispatched an ambulance, which struggled through the impassable road until it reached the referral hospital.
He lamented that the persistent washing away of roads by heavy rains has crippled economic activity and prevented residents from accessing essential services.
In his response, Samuel Lokong, the Moroto Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), acknowledged the challenge of the poor road network, citing financial constraints as a major setback to repairing the damaged roads across the district.
“The torrential rains that have been pounding the region since June have caused massive destruction to district feeder roads. Road works are expensive but the district is doing all it can to restore major routes and boost the local economy,” said Lokong.
According to him, the district plans to rehabilitate the main road to Lotisan Sub-county this year as soon as road funds are disbursed.
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