In the modern world today, technology
has taken lead in modernizing countries but to most African states, modernity
still features as a big challenge despite this fact. Majority of people still
think that modernization is only for the developed countries perhaps a reason
most of lag behind. But this time round, it is great news worth embracing in
East Africa as a new iconic cable stay bridge is finally opened up over the
mighty River Nile. This long awaited landmark was officially opened by H.E.
Yoweri Museveni and Mr. Masahisa Sato-the State Foreign Affairs Minister of
Japan. The iconic cable stay bridge is expected to last for about 120 years and
this new development features as the second entry point to Kampala capital city
especially as you come from the east hence creating a reliable link to the
south, northern, western parts of this magical country via its vibrant capital.
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| DAY VIEW OF CABLE BRIDGE IN UGANDA |
Its construction work was entirely
bankrolled by Japan government at Shs313 of the overpass that offers a safer
crossing to substitute the old Owen Falls Dam Bridge approximately 500 meters
north. Jinja alone through this bridge features as one of Uganda’s busiest
commercial towns and ideal import-export route for the country via Kenya and
due to this, it offers the economic lifeline the fact that this is a landlocked
country. Out of about 800 employees, approximately 9 of every 10 were Ugandans
and they had ever constructed the infrastructure for more than 4 years. About
50 engineering students equally attained hands on skills as industrial trainees
in this project which employed engineers, crushers, laborers, expatriates from
different parts of the country. Quality assurance and control was rigorously
conducted and construction materials fully tested with state of art equipment
within and abroad in Singapore and Japan hence making it an incredible piece of
engineering.
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| NIGHT VIEW |
The bridge was erected by Zenitaka
Corporation in Japan and Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company from
South Korea. This bridge is now called The Source of the Nile Bridge and it is
suspended over the River Nile and this doesn’t affect its flow out of Lake
Victoria. The splendid beauty of the concrete and steel structure is 72 harp
like white cables connecting the bridge deck to two 69 meter tall inverted Y
pylon towers. Besides, there are also about 202 light emitting (LED) bulbs at
the base of the cables and they feature a meridian of the deck which light up
the 72 stay cables. The stay cable hold and hang the girder and offer support
for humans and vehicle traffic weight. It is highly protected from lightning
with lightning arrestors that run form the deck to every tip of the inverted Y
pylon towers.
Generally, this new development is one
of a kind and adds on the list of unique tourism products at the Source of
the Nile. This area alone boasts of many breathtaking adventure experiences and
if you are looking for that most thrilling experience then Jinja should be a
must to include in your bucket list. Jinja is a renowned adrenaline adventure
capital of East Africa and while on Uganda safari in this area, you get
opportunity to engage in adventures like bungee jumping, kayaking, boat cruise,
white water rafting, birding, canoeing, sunset cruise, visit the source of the
Nile itself, mountain biking, quad biking, horseback riding around the nearby
local communities to experience the real African setting in different
communities. Jinja is approximately 1-2 hours’ drive or more from Kampala city
center but this depends on the jump and stopovers.
In conclusion, the newly constructed
cable bridge at the source of the mighty Nile is a unique tourism product of
its own given its strategic location and unique piece of art.
