Leaders, Residents Call for Urgent Construction of Bridge Linking Nambale and Teso North Constituencies

   By Godfrey Wamalwa 
Residents and leaders from Nambale and Teso North constituencies are urging both the county and national governments to prioritize the construction of a bridge linking the two areas before the onset of the heavy rains expected in March 2025.
Malaba South Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Bonface Ekada Mamai, emphasized the critical need for the bridge after the collapse of the flyover bridge in 2013. Speaking to the press at his residence in Kocholia, Mamai noted that despite the challenges posed by the collapsed bridge, no significant solution had been put in place. He also highlighted that the small allocation of funds available from the Ward’s budget was insufficient to finance such a large-scale project, which requires at least Ksh15 million.
“As two MCAs from the neighboring constituencies, we can’t afford to finance this project with the limited resources from our Ward funds,” Mamai said. “We are calling on both the county and national governments to join hands and ensure the bridge is constructed.”
The MCA further explained that the bridge is a flagship project for the area and that the current situation has severely affected the local community, particularly students and businesspeople. Students traveling to schools such as St. Joseph’s Kocholia High School and others from Kapina in Bukhayo North/Walatsi Ward have been forced to endure difficulties in crossing the bridge. The collapsed flyover, combined with gulley erosion, has exacerbated the problem.
“The flyover collapse has made it extremely difficult for students and businesspeople, especially those traveling the Kapina-Kocholia route,” Mamai added.
Residents echoed the MCA’s concerns, with some describing the hazardous conditions they face while trying to cross the bridge. Stella Nyongesa, a local resident, mentioned that the collapse has forced many to take longer and more dangerous alternative routes.
“We suffer every time we need to travel to Kocholia. The longer routes are not only tiring but also unsafe,” Nyongesa said.
Hellen Ikaal, another resident, raised the issue of security, noting that crossing the dilapidated bridge has exposed locals to risks, including incidents of rape and general insecurity.
Mr. James Wangila from Atoot village recounted that during a visit in 2013, then-Governor Sospeter Ojaamong had stated that Ksh5 million was required to rebuild the bridge. “It’s been over a decade, and the situation has only worsened,” Wangila said. “We need urgent intervention from the government.”
Local leaders, including Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma and MPs Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale) and Oku Kaunya (Teso North), have also been urged to coordinate efforts to ensure the bridge’s construction is completed without further delays.
With the onset of the rainy season approaching, the community is calling for an immediate response from both the county and national governments to restore this vital link and improve the safety and mobility of the residents in the area.  Read More