Residents and leaders of Ocokican Sub-County in Soroti District are celebrating the commissioning of a newly constructed 11.5-kilometer road that is expected to significantly transform the area’s economic landscape.

The road, which links the villages of Onyerai, Ateng, Okalis, Abango, and nearby trading centers, was officially opened last Friday in a ceremony attended by key district officials and community members.

Valued at UGX 150,500,000, the road project is seen as a critical step in improving transportation, trade, and access to essential services such as health care and education.

The commissioning ceremony was led by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Ronald Bakak, who commended the district works department for a job well done.

Mr. Bakak emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the country. “Government is interested in ensuring that rural communities are well connected. Good roads are key to development,” he said.

Stephen Ebunyu, the LCIII Chairperson of Ocokican Sub-County, lauded the project’s importance, especially in improving access to Ocokican Health Centre II, which had previously been difficult to reach during the rainy season due to impassable swamps.

“This road will allow our people to access health services easily and transport their farm produce to markets, especially the cattle market, which is a major source of income for many households,” Ebunyu explained.

He also praised the government for its continued support and investment in local infrastructure.

Local residents echoed his sentiments, Mr Ediu Emmanuel, the LC I Chairperson of Apopong village expressed excitement over the improved road conditions, which are expected to reduce transportation costs and travel time.

Ediu said says farmers and traders in particular anticipate better market access, increased sales, and improved livelihoods as a result of the project.

Simon Okello Ekolu, the Acting District Engineer, disclosed that the funding for the road came from the central government, as part of a UGX 1 billion allocation to improve road network coverage across Soroti District.

In addition to the Ocokican road, a 6.6-kilometer stretch of the Awoja-Anganya-Osimaling road, valued at UGX 63,000,000, was also commissioned during the same event, further demonstrating government’s resolve to improve rural infrastructure.

With the roads now in place, communities in Ocokican and surrounding areas are looking forward to increased economic activity, better service delivery, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Ends

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti.