The most affected roads are spread across Lakang, Pabbo, Opara, Attiak and Lamogi sub-counties. They include the road stretching from Awer-Olwal-Town Council-Lakang-Kololo. Others include the road from Pabbo Town Council-Pabbo Sub County-Biira and Labala among others. The roads have been in their current condition for more than two years.
Due to the poor road network, residents say that they are finding difficulties to access markets and health facilities especially whenever it rains. Stella Auma, a resident of Lajalula Sub County told URN that the poor road network in her area has led to hiked transport fares to the nearest Omer Health Centre II, which is about 32 kilometers away from her home.
Auma disclosed that she gave birth last month under the care of a Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) after failing to get Shillings 35,000 for transport on Boda-boda to the health facility as opposed to the previous Shillings 20,000 they were paying.
Nancy Adworo, another mother, says that she equally delivered from home after failing to raise Shillings 60,000 as demanded by Boda-boda motorists to transport her for delivery.
The boda-boda motorist claimed that the Lajalula road to Otwee Health Centre III was too bad and risky for him to ride on at a low fare.
John Bosco Oloya, a farmer in Pabbo has appealed to Amuru district works department to fast-track the repair of the roads to save lives and the business communities.
Santo Omony, a member of the Village Health Team (VHT) in Lajalula, says that response to health emergencies is being hampered by the poor road network, adding that the most affected people are pregnant mothers, children, and the elderly.
Michael Lakony, the Amuru District LCV Chairperson confirmed the problem but said that they lack road equipment to undertake repairs.
He explained that they borrow equipment for the road works from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Gulu Sub Station, which is also overwhelmed by requests from the more than 33 districts in Acholi, Lango and West Nile, which it serves.
