By James Innocent
Director of Physical Infrastructure Department in Yei River County, Richard Lugala Go’do, on Thursday presented a memo to the Executive Council proposing a manual road opening within Yei town.
He emphasized that this document is intended for council members to provide their input so that it can become a working document for his department, particularly for the Roads and Bridges Unit.
Lugala expressed concern about the condition of the roads within the newly demarcated and surveyed areas of Yei town.
He noted that many homes lack access to main roads due to illegal constructions by individuals who do not adhere to the regulations set by the housing unit.
“Although my department is aware of the economic challenges facing the country, including our own county, we cannot wait until we acquire machinery for road opening. Life must go on, so we need to start manual efforts to open and clean roads in Yei River County,” he stated.
The memo includes recommendations directing Payam Directors, the Chairperson of the Boma Land Council Committee, area leaders, and residents to collaborate with technicians from the Department of Physical Infrastructure to conduct manual road openings in the newly demarcated and surveyed areas.
Additionally, the memo advises the rural Payams of Yei River County that Payam Directors, head chiefs, executive chiefs, and headmen should mobilize their communities to periodically keep the roads connecting villages and food production areas clean and accessible.
The memo also calls for guidance from technicians within the Department of Physical Infrastructure to assist area leaders in managing potholes and drainage issues in residential areas.
In a related statement, the Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Executive Council, welcomed the memo positively.
He highlighted that clearing and maintaining passable roads is crucial for access and connectivity in areas with limited or no existing road infrastructure.
He noted that improved road access would enable people to reach essential services such as healthcare and education, facilitate trade and economic opportunities, and support overall community development in the county.