By KT Reporter
Moroto Municipal Council has commissioned a newly constructed bridge along Odele Road, aimed at connecting the North and South Divisions within the municipality. The bridge, built at a cost of Shs 382,900,000, was funded under a Shs 1 billion government grant provided for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and bridges. Construction commenced in February and was completed in June 2025.
The bridge spans the main river that flows from Mt. Moroto and cuts through the center of Moroto town. The spot had previously posed serious safety concerns due to high water pressure and recurring flash floods, which had claimed several lives over the years. The most recent tragedy occurred in July last year when two girls were swept away by floods while attempting to cross at the same location.
According to Emmanuel Odongo, a civil engineer at Moroto Municipal Council, the project was implemented under the “force account” mechanism. Under this approach, engineers from the council designed and supervised the construction, while private contractors supplied materials and equipment.
Odongo noted that the Ministry of Works and Transport provided technical oversight and confirmed that all components of the bridge were thoroughly tested. The structure is expected to last over 50 years without any defects.
Richard Eyaru, the Town Clerk for Moroto Municipality, explained that the decision to prioritize the Odele Road bridge stemmed from repeated accidents caused by the treacherous crossing. He said the Ministry of Works had estimated the construction cost at over Shs 900 million—an amount beyond the council’s means, given the limited budget.
Instead, the council opted for a cost-saving alternative by using local manpower and the force account approach, reducing the cost to Shs 382 million. Ismail Mohammed, the Mayor of Moroto Municipality, said the bridge brings much-needed relief to residents, especially businesspeople from the North and South Divisions who previously had to take long detours through Katanga Ward or Campswhili to access central areas such as the market or church.
He also noted that while the road was opened in the 2023/2024 financial year, construction of the bridge had been delayed due to lack of funds. More bridges are planned across the municipality starting next financial year, as the town’s location at the foot of Mt. Moroto features several streams and rivers requiring safe crossings.
Justine Samuel Tuko, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Moroto, praised the project for delivering high quality at minimal cost. He lauded the team for using both skilled and unskilled labor to build a solid structure and encouraged the council to continue utilizing local labor on future projects to maximize value for money.
Tuko also cautioned residents against dumping waste near the bridge to prevent silting and flash flooding, which could undermine the structure’s integrity.
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