Dokolo District Local Government has launched the rehabilitation of 25.2 kilometres of district roads at a cost of Shs122 million, aimed at improving connectivity and access to markets and essential services.
The works, launched yesterday, Thursday, August 27, 2026, are part of the Shs1 billion Government road rehabilitation fund allocated to the district for the financial year 2025/2026.
The roads to be rehabilitated include the 10-kilometre Bata-Otuboi Road at a cost of Shs50 million, the 7.2-kilometre Iguli-Oringoapala-Adak-Abat Road at Shs42 million and the eight-kilometre Hassa Memorial-Odeo Primary School Road at Shs30 million.
Assistant District Engineer Geoffrey Opori said the works would involve bush clearing, grading, filling low spots, spot gravelling, reaping and scarifying damaged sections, as well as installing culverts where necessary.
Opori said the district had initially planned to undertake extensive grading of the roads but the limited funding could affect the scope of the works.
He, however, assured residents that the engineering team would maximise the available resources to deliver quality work.
Opori also urged communities to protect the rehabilitated roads by avoiding the blockage of road offshoots and preventing animals from accessing bridges to drink water, which he said could damage the structures.
Resident District Commissioner Babra Akech said an improved road network was critical to the success of Government programmes because beneficiaries needed reliable transport routes to move their produce and other goods to markets.
She cited programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, whose beneficiaries, she said, depend on roads to access markets and other economic opportunities.
Akech challenged newly elected Local Council leaders to prioritise community mobilisation and become ambassadors of Government programmes by encouraging residents to participate in them and monitoring public projects in their areas.
Dokolo District LCV chairperson Peter Ogwang called for close cooperation between communities and the district engineering team to ensure the success and sustainability of the road rehabilitation works.
Ogwang also urged councillors representing the affected areas to closely monitor the projects and work with residents to safeguard the roads.
He cautioned against misuse of road funds, saying the district leadership had a responsibility to ensure that public resources were used for their intended purpose.
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Paul Wamono urged residents to report any challenges encountered during the rehabilitation works to district authorities early enough to allow corrective action.
Wamono said communities should not wait until project commissioning ceremonies to raise concerns that could have been addressed during implementation.
LCIII chairperson of Bata Town Council Shabban Ocen welcomed the rehabilitation programme, saying it would benefit residents and improve access to key services.
Ocen called on leaders to promote transparency and accountability to ensure value for money. He also urged leaders at all levels to work together to accelerate development in the district.
Meanwhile, Amwoma Sub-county LCIII chairperson Denis Opono said the poor condition of roads had affected residents’ access to schools, health facilities and markets.
Opono appealed to residents to support the rehabilitation programme and cooperate with contractors, particularly where land is required for road offshoots.
District leaders urged residents, councillors and technical staff to work together to protect the rehabilitated roads and ensure that the investment provides lasting benefits to communities.