Buses can once again use Katonga Bridge on the Kampala-Masaka highway thanks to the road authority UNRA.
In a statement released on Monday, UNRA noted that in addition to pedestrians, buses can once again use the bridge, along with motorcyclists, salon cars, SUVs, station wagons, commuter taxis, and 28-seaters, also known as coasters.
According to a statement from UNRA, “as a result, the existing bridge has now been opened to all buses in addition to the light vehicles that were previously allowed to use the section under the precautionary measures that are to be implemented immediately by the contractor (China Communications Construction Company Ltd) during this time.
Therefore, all authorized traffic is asked to heed the posted instructions and adhere to all traffic regulations set up at a safe approach distance to the bridge.
According to UNRA, the bridge was given the all-clear for buses to begin using it after ongoing technical monitoring and a recent evaluation, which determined that it can support loading of up to 30 tonnes.
In order to allow for a complete restoration of traffic at the Katonga portion before permanent improvements can begin, UNRA stated that work on the second phase of the steel bridge’s construction is proceeding.
Relief
Many people, including passengers, are relieved that buses may once again utilize the Katonga Bridge, especially those travelling from Western Uganda who had to prepare for the lengthy and exhausting journey via Gomba and Ssembabule in addition to paying higher transportation costs.
Additionally, it brings a sigh of relief to bus drivers and business owners who had to spend a lot of time and money on fuel.
Due to the road’s numerous turns and the fact that many vehicles were unfamiliar with it, the route through Gomba had seen a number of accidents.
After flooding and severe rains in May, a portion of the Katonga Bridge twisted inward, cutting off the Kampala-Masaka Highway.
