Fast-track construction of temporary bridge at Pakwach’s Tangi Junction

Pakwach, my beloved town and the “Gateway to West Nile,” is facing a major crisis. The situation is dire as persistent flooding has crippled the vital connectivity between Arua, Gulu, and Kampala. While the Pakwach Bridge itself remains a crucial link, it is the Tangi Junction, located just a few metres from the bridge that has recently become the epicentre of disruptions. Following a heavy downpour, the road near Tangi Junction has flooded, making it nearly impossible for vehicles to pass through. This has severely affected transport and trade in the region, heightening the need for immediate intervention.

The Tangi Junction flooding is not a new problem. However, it has worsened in recent months, especially following recent heavy rains. As the floodwaters rise, road users traveling between West Nile, northern Uganda, and Kampala face grave danger and uncertainty. Trucks transporting goods to South Sudan and other neighbouring countries are delayed, and daily commuters are stranded. This disruption has led to increased frustrations among residents and businesses that rely on this road for their livelihood.

What makes the situation even more urgent is the ongoing deterioration of the Pakwach Bridge. The historic bridge, built in 1959, has become a safety hazard due to the persistent flooding, floating vegetation from the River Nile, and the wear and tear due to its age. Despite being a critical link, the bridge is no longer in a condition to reliably support the volume of traffic that passes through daily. In recent years, it has become increasingly unsafe, with numerous incidents of flooding affecting road users.

The dangers posed by the Pakwach Bridge and its surroundings are tragically not hypothetical. In 2019 and 2020, several fatalities occurred due to people attempting to cross the flooded area, only to be swept away by the running water. The situation worsened this year, with reports of fatalities when a taxi traveling from Arua to Nwoya got stuck in the floodwaters at Tangi Junction, prompting a rescue mission. At least four people drowned in the incident, highlighting the immediate risk to life posed by the bridge's instability and the flooded junction.

Despite these tragedies, the response from authorities has been slow, and the people of Pakwach and West Nile are frustrated. However, there is a glimmer of hope. On October 10, during a tour of the Pakwach Bridge, the executive director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra), Ms Allen Kagina, announced that the construction of a temporary bridge at Tangi Junction would begin as soon as the designs are finalised. This announcement brought much-needed hope to the people of the region, but it also highlights the urgency of the situation.

We cannot afford further delays. The people of Pakwach and West Nile have waited long enough. The old bridge and the surrounding area are no longer just a minor inconvenience but a grave danger to human life. With each passing day, the risk of fatalities and economic losses increases. The construction of a temporary bridge should be a priority, and the government must ensure the process is fast-tracked to prevent any further loss of life and disruption to the region's economy.

The Tangi Junction flood and the crumbling Pakwach Bridge are not isolated problems but are interconnected threats to the region’s well-being. West Nile plays a vital role in Uganda's economy, particularly with the transportation of goods to neighbouring South Sudan and the wider region. We cannot allow this vital link to remain under threat any longer. The time to act is now. The people of Pakwach and the surrounding areas deserve immediate action to secure their safety, livelihoods, and access to the rest of the country.

Ivan Munguongeyo, Concerned citizen