Awelo–Etam road set for major intervention as flooded section threatens communities
LOCAL
đź—žđź“°By AmolatarNewsCast
Amolatar/Kioga North | Residents living along the badly affected Awelo–Etam road corridor are hopeful of an end to years of transport difficulties after the Ministry of Works and Transport inspected the flooded section and committed to beginning intervention works in October.
The assessment was led by Hon. Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, Member of Parliament for Kioga North, who was joined by Awelo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Tom Okao Aweri and Etam Sub-county Chairperson Richard Okello Ongol, alongside a technical team from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The ministry delegation was headed by Eng. Henry Komakech, Acting Regional Manager for Northern Uganda, accompanied by the station manager from Lira.
During meetings with residents in Atingi, Anamido and Adum wards in Etam Town Council, leaders explained the extent of the challenges caused by the flooded road section and the impact it has had on movement and access to essential services.
Kiring urged residents to work closely with the engineers once the project begins, saying community cooperation would be important in ensuring that the planned works are successfully implemented.
He also encouraged residents to participate in available opportunities arising from the project, including providing locally sourced construction materials and taking up paid casual labour where applicable.
The affected road is considered an important link for communities travelling between Awelo and Etam, particularly for farmers and other residents who rely on it to reach markets, schools, health facilities and other social and economic services.
For years, flooding has made parts of the road difficult or impossible to use, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The situation has raised concerns among residents whose livelihoods depend on reliable road connectivity.
Residents call for raised road
Awelo Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Tom Okao Aweri welcomed the ministry’s intervention but urged engineers to consider a construction design capable of addressing the flooding problem permanently.
Aweri proposed raising the road substantially above the surrounding flood-prone area, with a strong foundation of hard-core materials and sufficient marram to improve the road’s resilience.
He argued that simply restoring the existing road level could leave it vulnerable to repeated flooding, while a raised structure could provide a longer-term solution.
Etam Sub-county Chairperson Richard Okello Ongol also expressed optimism about the planned works, saying residents have endured prolonged hardship whenever the road becomes impassable.
Ongol pledged continued cooperation from the community once the technical work commences.
Residents want urgent action
Among those calling for faster intervention is Lilly Opuc, an elderly resident of Anamido, who said communities cannot afford to wait for another prolonged rainy period before the road is addressed.
Opuc appealed to the engineering team to prioritise the works before rising water levels further damage the road and make movement more difficult.
She said elderly people, school-going children, farmers and residents seeking medical services are among those most affected when the road becomes impassable.
The ministry’s indication that works are expected to commence in October has consequently raised expectations in Awelo and Etam.
Residents are now looking forward to seeing the technical assessment followed by visible construction activity, with local leaders calling for an intervention that will not only restore movement but also provide a durable solution to the recurring flooding problem.
If implemented as planned, the project could improve connectivity between the affected communities and strengthen access to markets, education, healthcare and other essential services for residents along the Awelo–Etam corridor.
