By Reuben Olita, Busia
Leaders and residents of the Nambale and Teso North constituencies are calling for the urgent construction of a bridge that will link the two areas before the onset of the heavy rains expected in March 2025.
Boniface Ekada Mamai, the Member of the County Assembly (MCA) for Malaba South Ward, has expressed his concern over the collapsed flyover bridge, which has remained in disrepair since 2013. He emphasized that there has been no clear solution to the lack of a viable communication route between the two constituencies.
“As two MCAs from neighboring constituencies, we cannot afford to finance this through the meager resources available from the Ward funds. This calls for intervention from both the county and national governments,” Mamai stated.
Addressing the press at his Kocholia residence, Mr. Mamai emphasized that the bridge is a crucial project that requires at least Ksh15 million for it to become operational. He added that the funds allocated to ward-based projects are insufficient to complete such an important infrastructure initiative.
“The students who attend schools in Malaba South Ward, such as St. Joseph’s Kocholia High School, and those from Kapina in the neighboring Bukhayo North/Walatsi Ward, are facing major challenges in crossing this bridge,” Mamai said. “We need the county and national governments to step in and jointly fund the construction of the bridge, which will also benefit local businesspeople who use the Kapina-Kocholia route.”
Residents from the area shared their frustrations with the current situation. Stella Nyongesa explained that they suffer daily when traveling to Kocholia, often having to take a much longer route.
The collapsed bridge, coupled with the erosion caused by a nearby gully, has made the situation even more dire.
Hellen Ikaal echoed Nyongesa’s sentiments, highlighting the dangers posed by the lack of a proper bridge. “The current situation is not just an inconvenience but also a security threat. There have been cases of rape and general insecurity,” she said, urging the government to prioritize the repair or reconstruction of the bridge.
James Wangila, a resident of Atoot village, recalled that in 2013, the then Busia Governor, Sospeter Ojaamong, had visited the area and stated that Ksh5 million was needed to rebuild the bridge. Wangila appealed to the current leadership to follow through on these promises.
“Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, along with MPs Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale) and Oku Kaunya (Teso North), must consolidate their efforts and ensure the construction of this bridge with the urgency it deserves,” Wangila urged.
