Members of Parliament have advised the Ministry of Works and Transport to establish parking zones for heavy trailer trucks to solve the problem of congestion on different highways in the country.
The law makers delivered their submissions about the matter during the plenary sitting on Thursday 19th January 2023.
According to MP Macho Geoffrey, the matter of national importance has been raised at a time when Busia Municipality is flooded with parked trailer trucks which has paralyzed commercial potential of the area because the trailers block customers from accessing shops easily.
“Busia Municipality is flooded with trailer trucks. The traders cannot work at all because the trailers have parked in front of their shops,” Macho said.
He also added that the parked trailer trucks are lodges of prostitution which results in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the locals.
Consequently, Speaker Anita Among tasked the minister of trade to produce an action taken report indicating gazette parking areas for heavy trucks
“It is not only in Busia, even in Bukedea these trailers are parked along the roads. Accidents happen because trucks park on the roadside. Let us limit the number of vehicles in such areas,” Hon Among said
In response to the matter, the Minister of State for Trade Hon. Harriet Ntabazi revealed that the government is looking forward to establishing dry ports at all border points which will reduce the congestion of the trucks.
“We are thinking about many areas, not only in Busia. Even Malaba, Elegu and Mpondwe which are having this congestion. A dry port is a good idea and it will generate revenue for the country,” Ntabazi said.
Ntabazi added that an inter-ministerial committee that includes Trade, Finance, and works ministers has been put in place to ensure that the matter is addressed as early as possible.