The Lira station manager for the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), Vincent Mukasa, has called on members of the public to take greater responsibility for protecting roads and related infrastructure.

By undertaking the above, he said the infrastructure will remain in good condition and serve communities for a longer period.

Mukasa made the call during an interview in which he expressed concern over the increasing misuse, vandalism and neglect of road infrastructure by some members of the public in Lira and across the Lango sub-region.

According to Mukasa, the government invests significant resources in constructing, upgrading and maintaining roads, but some of the infrastructure is later damaged or misused by the very communities it is intended to serve.

He said road signs are among the infrastructure frequently vandalised or removed, making it difficult for motorists and other road users to follow important traffic and safety instructions.

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Mukasa also raised concern over the dumping of garbage into road drainage trenches, saying this can obstruct the proper flow of water and eventually contribute to the deterioration of roads, particularly during rainy seasons.

He urged members of the public to avoid using road drainage channels as dumping grounds and instead dispose of waste in appropriate places.

The station manager further noted that some road users do not respect traffic signs and markings, including zebra crossings, which are designed to protect pedestrians and regulate the movement of vehicles.

He said motorists and other road users need to understand the importance of observing road signs and markings to reduce accidents and protect lives.

Mukasa also cautioned members of the public against piling soil and other materials along roads, saying such practices can interfere with road drainage, obstruct road users and contribute to the gradual deterioration of the road infrastructure.

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According to him, maintaining roads should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Works or local authorities, but rather as a shared responsibility between government and the communities that use the roads.

Mukasa called for increased sensitisation of communities on road maintenance and responsible use of road infrastructure.

He said communities need to be educated about the importance of roads and the consequences of abusing or damaging them.

Effective community sensitisation, he noted, would help residents understand that protecting roads is in their own interest because good roads facilitate transportation, support businesses, improve access to schools and health facilities, and contribute to the overall development of communities.

He urged local leaders, technical officers and other stakeholders to work together in educating the public about proper road use and maintenance.

Mukasa appealed to the public to report cases of vandalism, misuse of road infrastructure and other activities that may threaten the safety and durability of roads.