Traffic on the Mbarara- Kasese route that had been diverted after it was discovered that the Kazinga Channel Bridge was damaged three weeks ago is temporarily fixed and reopened to traffic.
The Kazinga channel bridge deck for on Ishaka—Katunguru—Kasese road according to a statement released by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) can be used by trucks and other motorists but not exceed speed limit of 20km/h on the bridge
Unra says this is ‘as an emergency procurement for short term works as well as plan for permanent works is being finalised’.
Last month, motorists who frequent the road complained that ‘there is a metal in the middle of the bridge and between it there is a big hole where one can easily pass through and drop into the water as it goes on expanding. It will expose drivers and passengers to accidents.’
The 32 kilometer Kazinga Channel links Lake Edward and Lake George and is a dominant feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park which attracts several tourists.
Several taxis, buses and heavy trucks cross the bridge daily.
