Mpigi Residents Demand Urgent Action on Hazardous Gravel Pit

Residents of Kinyinabo Village, Buwama Sub-county, Mpigi District, are pleading with local authorities to address a significant safety hazard: a large gravel pit left open after the rehabilitation of the Kinyinabo–Munyonyo–Senyondo Road. The pit, located on a resident’s land, has become a point of contention for over eight months, with villagers expressing frustration over the lack of response from district officials.

The road project, funded by the government’s annual road maintenance grant and reported to have received Shs97.5 million, involved sourcing gravel from Olivia Namakula’s land. Namakula states that an agreement was made for compensation and subsequent land restoration. However, she alleges that contractors began excavating and expanded the pit extensively, even demolishing her house, without fulfilling the agreed-upon terms or making any payment.

Community members have condemned the alleged negligence and unfair treatment of Namakula. They warn that the pit, which fills with water after rains and is situated near schools, a water source, and a busy boda boda route, poses a severe risk to children and the wider community. Village Chairperson Edward Ssenyonjo has accused district officials of breaching their agreement and called for an investigation into how the funds allocated for gravel were utilized, particularly since the landowner received no compensation.

Residents also question the quality of the road construction itself, noting its rapid deterioration and the ongoing safety concerns posed by the open pit. While past district leaders involved in the project were unavailable for comment, the current District Chairperson, Simon Peter Kawuki, acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about poorly executed road projects and pledged to investigate these issues thoroughly, promising accountability for those responsible.

Source: Nile Post