Leaders in Kigezi region want government to install weigh bridges along Ntugamo-Kabale-Katuna and Kabala-Kisoro high ways to protect the road infrastructure from damage.
According
to the Vehicle Load Control Act 2012 passed by the East African Legislative
Assembly, the maximum gross vehicle weight on roads of East African Community
member countries is 56 tonnes. In case of overloading, the truck is impounded
and the truck driver fined for flouting the weight limit.
However,
there is no single weigh bridge in Kigezi region, despite it being a major
gateway for heavy trucks to Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
Leaders
from Kigezi say truck drivers take advantage of the absence of a weigh bridge
in the region to load more goods on their trucks after passing Mbarara on their
way to Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic of Congo. They say unless
government intervenes by installing another weigh bridge, this will shorten the
life span of tarmac roads in Kigezi region.
The Kabale District Youth Chairperson, John Bosco Namara, says there is need for government to install weigh bridges along Mbarara -Ntungamo- Katuna High way and Kabale-Kisoro road to reduce on the pressure caused by overloaded trucks.
Meanwhile,
Frank Kyerere, the NRM Chairperson in Rwamucucu Sub County in Rukiga district,
says truck drivers overload their vehicles to rake in more money, which is
damaging the roads and reducing their lifespan.Michael
Kwarikunda Mbareeba, the Rukiga District Youth Chairperson, says is time for
government to consider saving tarmac roads in Kigezi region and Ntugamo from
being destroyed by over loaded trucks.
Reuben
Tumwebaze Byaruhanga, the Director Road Infrastructure Protection under Uganda
National Roads Authority, admits that UNRA has also learnt that truck drivers
heading to Rwanda, Burundi and DRC over load their trucks.
He says UNRA has already procured a weighbridge to be installed either in Ntungamo or Kabale to solve the problem.
He says UNRA has already procured a weighbridge to be installed either in Ntungamo or Kabale to solve the problem.
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