NEW ERA AS UGANDA OPENS A HIGH TECH ICONIC CABLE BRIDGE

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.

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.

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.