Use the road for making wealth – President urges West Nile people

President Yoweri Museveni has strongly urged the people of West Nile Sub-Region to use the road that is to be constructed in their area for generating wealth and developing the region in general.

The President was yesterday performing the ceremony of ground breaking for the construction work of the 92-kilometre road from Vurra – Arua – Koboko – Oraba on the Uganda/South Sudan border.

President Yoweri Museveni received by UNRA Executive Director Eng. Sebanakitta (left) and the Contractor of China Chongquing International Construction Corporation (CICO) introduced to him by UNRA Communications Manager Dan Alinange at the commissioning of Arua-Vura-Koboko-Oraba road upgrading to tarmac at Arua on 10/5/2012. PPU photo

The function took place at Oreku Primary School in Manibe sub-county Ayivu County in Arua district. The construction that has already commenced and is being carried out by the China Chongquing International Construction Corporation (CICO) is slated to be completed in 36 months and will cost over Shs.132 billion.

President Museveni, who thanked the World Bank for financing the project, cautioned the people of West Nile Region not to use the road for peddling lies and rumors adding that the main purpose of that infrastructure is to make wealth and get wanainchi out of household poverty.

The President called on all leaders at all levels to guide the people of the region on creating wealth through modern agriculture. He particularly demanded Radio Stations in the country to fulfill one of the conditions indicated when they were licensed which is to use those media houses for development but not for what he called “wolokoso”.

President Yoweri Museveni operating a tractor at the commissioning of Arua-Vura-Koboko-Oraba road upgrading to tarmac at Arua on 10/5/2012. PPU photo — in Arua

President Museveni pledged to improve the water supply in Arua Municipality by pumping it from River Olewa. He also promised to commission Nyagak hydro power station in 3 months’ time and called on the people in the area to engage in intensive farming and leave tobacco growing to farmers with big chunks of land.

The Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. James Abraham Byandala, assured the over 3,000 people who will be affected by the construction of the road that they will be compensated by Government.

Cabinet Ministers, MPs from West Nile Region, leaders from districts comprising the West Nile Region and religious leaders, attended the ceremony.

ENDS