Abandoned structures fueling insecurity in Arua

Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Arua city authorities have cautioned developers of abandoned buildings to provide security at their sites as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Most of the abandoned properties are found along Mango road, Hospital road, School road, Lumumba road and Weather Park head lane in the central division of the city. Some of the properties include plots that were cordoned off with iron sheets to pave way for construction but have remained abandoned for more than two years.

The authorities argue that the abandoned properties have now become a den of thieves and a source of insecurity for the entire area. Arua City Development Forum President Ceaser Draecabo says they have received numerous complaints of people being attacked by robbers who camp in the abandoned buildings especially at night.

Meanwhile, Victor Lomori Vidal, the Deputy Speaker of the Central Division says that unfinished structures do not only fuel insecurity but have also affected the plan of beautifying the city.

West Nile region Police Spokesperson Josephine Angucia says they have tasked the city authorities to engage the developers of the abandoned sites to address the matter.

But Paul Batanda, the Arua City Clerk says they have tasked the physical planning committee to carry a census on the incomplete structures within the city and guide them on the next steps. According to Batanda, some of the buildings have stayed for more than 10 years without being completed.

Recently, Joel Aita, the Executive Director of Development Infrastructure who has one of the incomplete structures in the city blamed it on funding challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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