Arua City Residents Demand Urgent Fix for 'Death Trap' Osu Bridge

The Osu Bridge, a vital link connecting Arua City’s Central and Ayivu Divisions, is in a severe state of disrepair, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local residents.

Concerns have escalated due to the bridge’s dangerous condition, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Residents report that when the River Osu floods, the bridge becomes impassable and has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals who attempted to cross it.

Adding to the danger, drainage channels near the bridge are frequently blocked by accumulated garbage, exacerbating the flooding issues. Draleru Scovia, a Village Health Team member, shared a personal account, stating, “Crossing the bridge during the rainy season has become a death trap. Even my own mother is nursing serious injuries she sustained on this bridge.”

Despite an allocation of Shs210 million for bridge works, residents have yet to see any tangible progress, according to Pagisa Ward Councillor Sumaya Jeffery. The dilapidated state of the bridge significantly hinders daily movement for schoolchildren, traders, and other road users, especially during flood events.

In response to recent downpours, local leaders mobilized youth to clear overgrown vegetation beneath the structure. However, the issue of poor waste management, which contributes to blocked drainage, was also highlighted as a significant factor.

Arua City Deputy Mayor, Dratibi Jackson, acknowledged the concerns, noting that the matter has been presented to the relevant parliamentary committee. He mentioned that the bridge, originally constructed in 2006, is slated for reconstruction under the upcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) program, which has allocated Shs50 billion for Arua.

Residents, however, are appealing for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and disruption, urging for both bridge repairs and improved waste management strategies.

Source: Nile Post