By Alex Baluku
Transport between Mbarara and Kasese districts is paralyzed following the breakdown of the ferry operating at the Kazinga Channel Bridge.
Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) on Friday, 4th, March 2022, temporarily closed the Kazinga Channel Bridge for the commencement of full-depth replacement of the Rubirizi-side approach deck along the Kasese-Katunguru-Ishaka road.
Works included the reconstruction of the bridge deck and UNRA said this resulted in the closure of the road at the Kazinga Channel Bridge.
The Kasese-Katunguru–Ishaka road was closed from March 14th to April 27th, 2022, to facilitate civil works.
“A temporary ferry was availed to enable the crossing of ONLY light vehicles,” UNRA said in a statement.
The ferry has been carrying eight vehicles (saloon cars, pickups, and minivans or taxis) and passengers not exceeding 80 per crossing.
Now, this morning it has been reported that the same ferry has broken down putting business on a standstill.
However, speaking to this reporter, the Engineer for Bridges and Structures at the Kazinga Chanel, one Grace, said that the Ferry team was doing repairs to ensure that it is being reinstated as soon as possible so that people can start crossing.
Engineer Grace has requested the general public to remain calm and bare with the situation as UNRA is trying sort out the issue. He requested who can afford to find an alternative rout at this point to do so.
