Adero Bridge Crisis: Awei Leaders Demand Urgent Repairs After Near-Fatal Accident in Alebtong

LCC TV NEWS

ALEBTONG, UGANDA – Leaders in Awei Sub-county, Alebtong District, are urgently calling for the rehabilitation of the Adero Bridge and the Awei-Aloi road following a near-fatal accident that has heightened fears over public safety.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, June 28, 2026, saw four people narrowly escape death when the motorcycle they were riding on plunged into a damaged section of the bridge. All four survivors sustained injuries, reigniting long-standing grievances from the community regarding the deteriorating state of the infrastructure.

Decades of Neglect

Richard Ongora, the LC I Chairperson of Acede-atidi Village, Acede Parish, highlighted the deep historical roots of the crisis, pointing out that the bridge was originally constructed during the administration of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote.

“The bridge has become extremely dangerous for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during the rainy season,” Ongora stated. “It was built under Obote, now it’s killing us.”

According to Ongora, the bridge has suffered from decades of neglect. He revealed that residents have repeatedly raised concerns with Alebtong District authorities, as the bridge falls under the district’s jurisdiction. However, he lamented that “little progress has been made despite numerous appeals.”

Leadership Intervention

In response to the escalating danger, Ongora confirmed that he has engaged Sam Oyena Obonyo, the LC III Chairperson of Awei Sub-county, to push for urgent action. The engagement has led to a formal request to the district leadership.

Oyena Obonyo confirmed that he has personally inspected the site and witnessed the dire state of both the bridge and the connecting road to Aloi Sub-county. He has since escalated the matter.

“I have formally written a letter to Alebtong District Chairperson, Ambrose Ongom Ongom, seeking immediate intervention,” Oyena Obonyo said. “District authorities must act swiftly before another serious accident or loss of life occurs.”

District Yet to Respond

Efforts to obtain a comment from Alebtong District Chairperson Ambrose Ongom-Ongom were unsuccessful by the time of publication. The district leader did not respond to repeated phone calls regarding the condition of the bridge and the letter submitted by Awei Sub-county leadership.

Broader Infrastructure Woes

The plight of Adero Bridge echoes similar challenges faced across Alebtong District, where infrastructure has been severely impacted by seasonal floods. In other parts of the district, such as the Ayumu Bridge in Adwir sub-county, residents have also intensified calls for action, with recent interventions from the government providing metallic culverts but falling short of the comprehensive construction needed to avert tragedies.

As the rainy season intensifies, leaders in Awei warn that without immediate district intervention, the Adero Bridge could claim lives, cripple trade, and isolate communities reliant on the Awei-Aloi route.

LCC TV NEWS