Cane spillage hits Masindi

Heaps of cane scattered all over the road, ‘welcome’ visitors entering Masindi town especially from the neighbouring districts of Hoima and Buliisa.

Covered with flies, the spillage is allegedly caused by trucks which drop cane while transporting it to Kinyara sugar factory making the town look untidy hence compromising it’s hygiene.

A search conducted in town by The Albertine Journal on Sunday established that Kijura cell, located in Central Division, is the hot spot of cane spillage.

It was established that Kinyara employed people to gather littered cane. However, they just make heaps on the road side instead of transporting it to the factory which is about 20 kilometres way from Masindi town.

Mustafa Tukezebwa, a butcher operator in Kijura, says the flies are a health threat and calls upon leaders to make quick interventions.

Vincent Musoke, a boda boda rider from Masindi town says the spillage has resulted into accidents to other road users especially cyclists.

He blames transport contractors for poor management and failing to give instructions to their drivers such that they can curb spillage challenge.

Melekizedeki Kanaginagi, a sugarcane farmer from Pakanyi sub-county says spillage has caused losses to farmers since it reduces on the tonnage of cane during the final measurement at the factory.

The deputy Town Clerk Masindi Municipal Council Patrick Asiimwe says the leadership resolved to have alternative routes to divert sugarcane trucks from Masindi town.

The routes include; Kyema-Kiswata-Kibwona in Karujubu division, Kirasa-Kamurasi-Ihungu, and Kijambura-Kakwese-Katasenywa roads in Nyangahya division. However, the resolution is yet to be implemented.

Asiimwe said a bylaw on littering the town has been passed and any truck found to be falling short of the regulation would be impounded.

When contacted, Kinyara’s Corporate Communications Manager Caroline Amongin said they are aware of the alternate routes but still waiting for expansion of the roads before implementation is done.