Kabarole — Political interference should be blamed for the destruction of bridges in Kabarole, the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Juma Nyende, has said. The bridges that were washed away last week include Mahoma, Igasa, Karambi-Kiguma, Kitengya and Kyakijara all in Burahya and Bunyangabu counties making transport difficult.

Mr Nyende reasoned that political pressure is making it difficult for technical persons to plan properly because all councillors want roads or bridges constructed in their constituencies at any cost which has led to shoddy work. The district Secretary for works, Ms Amina Kaija, said most roads in the district are now impassable and over 200 people have been displaced due to landslides.

Ms Mande Rose Byabasaija, the Kisomoro Sub-county councillor , said school attendance in most institutions has been affected due to the damaged bridges and the impassable roads. But some councillors say corruption and shoddy work are the reasons why bridges are being washed way. They said the poorly done roads and bridges cannot withstand heavy rains since most of the money approved for roads is misused by contractors. At least Shs1 billion is needed to reconstruct the damaged bridges and roads.