Kampala, Uganda | Otuke East Member of Parliament Julius Achon Bua has pledged to set aside part of his monthly salary to support the maintenance of community access roads and construction of bridges that are not covered under existing government and district road plans.
Achon said the initiative followed concerns raised by constituents during his recent poverty alleviation activities, including his seed distribution programme, where residents asked him to help address roads that had become difficult to use.
Speaking to our reporter by telephone from Kampala, Achon said some community roads, although vital to residents, are not prioritised in district maintenance plans.
He said his initiative will target such roads and bridges across the 28 parishes of Otuke East, with local residents engaged as labourers during the works.
According to Achon, using local people will not only improve access roads but also provide them with an opportunity to earn income from the projects.
He said better roads and bridges will make it easier for residents to transport agricultural produce to markets and improve access to schools, health facilities and other essential services.
Achon said the road maintenance programme will not affect his other community initiatives, including drilling and maintaining boreholes in areas facing water challenges.
He cited Omuku Cell in Oget Ward, Otuke Town Council, and Te-Tugu in Oloro Parish, Ogor Sub-county, as among the areas that have recently benefited from boreholes through his office.
Achon said he will continue working with communities to identify roads and bridges that are critical to residents but have not received adequate attention under existing government maintenance programmes.