Kapchorwa – A devastating storm swept through Kapchorwa town on the evening of Monday 7th October 2024, causing widespread destruction and toppling a marketing billboard outside the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. The fallen structure has become a hazardous hotspot, infested with swarming bees and putting the lives of pedestrians and other road users at great risk.
The storm, which caught residents off guard, brought down the already weakened billboard, damaging a section of the RDC’s office fence. Eyewitnesses reported that the billboard had been shaking violently in small winds for months, signaling an impending collapse. Despite the early warning, neither the advertiser, who has been identified as Bidco Uganda LTD (BUL) nor the local authorities saw the need to have the risk averted.
“It was only a matter of time before it fell,” said Sharon Mama Alpha, a local resident. “We’ve been complaining about its condition for months, but no action was taken.”
The Kapchorwa Municipal Council is facing criticism for neglecting the billboard’s maintenance, despite repeated warnings from concerned citizens.
“We alerted the authorities about the billboard’s condition, but they ignored us,” said Robert Chemonges, a local resident. “Now, we’re facing the consequences.”
Experts warn that the situation is a recipe for disaster, especially during peak hours when drivers, boda boda riders, and pedestrians flock to the town for her offerings in several services and goods like banking, trade, and entertainment for the residents of at least five neighboring districts.
“Bees are unpredictable, and when they feel threatened, they can attack,” said Mr. Kibet Eliakim, an environmentalist from the municipality. “The authorities must act swiftly to avoid a tragedy.”
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with residents demanding immediate action from the authorities.
“We urge the Kapchorwa Municipal Council and whoever else is responsible to remove the billboard and ensure public safety,” said Chebet Bashir, a boda boda rider from Kapchesombe Ward. “Enough is enough.”
As the standoff continues, pedestrians are advised to avoid the area until the billboard is safely removed.
To see videos of the “Before” and “After” click the link or follow @SimplyKips on X, formerly Twitter. https://x.com/SimplyKips/status/1844398399313018928
Update:
Following this publication, a heated social media engagement ensued across various platforms in which the residents and local leaders of Kapchorwa Municipality. Discussions revolved around negligence by public officials, the poor state of access roads, inadequate waste disposal, environmental conservation, and corruption practices. Ultimately, the fallen billboard was removed. The kind of civic engagement that was realized attests that Kapchorwa Municipality’s future is bright. We thank our readers who took it upon themselves to share the article on various social media platforms and directly to the authorities concerned. A special appreciation also goes out to the stakeholders, especially Elgon Radio FM, who gave this issue the attention it deserved.