Residents Decry Deadly State of Osu Bridge in Arua City

What the report says

Residents of Pagisa Ward in Arua City are urging authorities to urgently fix Osu Bridge, saying the deteriorating crossing has become dangerous during the rainy season and is linked to multiple deaths. According to Nile Post, the bridge connects Central Division and Ayivu Division and is especially risky when River Osu floods and water spills over the structure.

The report says local residents, including village health team member Draleru Scovia, blamed heavy rainfall, blocked drainage channels and garbage buildup around the bridge for worsening the situation. Scovia said the crossing has become a serious hazard, while ward councillor Sumaya Jeffery said residents have seen no visible progress despite an allocation of Shs210 million for works on the bridge.

The article also quotes the area LC1 chairperson, Eyotaro Faridah, who said she mobilised youth to clear overgrown vegetation after a heavy downpour. Faridah and other residents accused Arua City Council of failing to manage waste collection effectively, saying this has contributed to blocked drainage around the site.

Arua City Deputy Mayor Dratibi Jackson said the issue has been taken to Parliament’s Committee on Government Assurances and noted that the bridge, built in 2006 under the Local Government Development Programme II, is included in plans under the forthcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development programme. Residents want repairs and better waste management before more people are harmed.