By Richard Onapatum
Tensions are rising in the community surrounding Kotido Senior Secondary School as residents protest the school’s decision to construct a fence that blocks a vital road. This issue was brought to the forefront during a recent community baraza, where residents voiced their concerns and demanded action.
The construction of the fence has sparked outrage among local residents, who rely on the road for daily access. The community fears that the blockage will disrupt their routines and limit access to essential services. During the baraza, many residents expressed their frustration and called for a halt to the construction. “We need this road for our daily activities. Blocking it will create unnecessary hardships for the community,” said one concerned resident Lokol ambrose
The headmaster of Kotido Senior Secondary School, Lokedi Emmanuel defended the decision, explaining that the fence is intended to protect students and ensure their safety. He pointed out that the road was not part of the school’s original plans but was politically created to garner votes. Despite the backlash, the headmaster vowed to continue with the construction, emphasizing the importance of student safety. “Our priority is the safety of our students. The road was never meant to be there in the first place, and it’s our responsibility to secure the school premises,” he stated.
In response to the escalating situation, the Local Council 3 (LC3) chairman assured the community that efforts would be made to address their concerns. He announced plans to work on the road and seek a consolidated agreement from both parties to find a resolution that satisfies everyone. “We understand the importance of this road to the community. We will work on finding a solution that takes into account both the safety of the students and the needs of the residents,” the LC3 chairman said.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Charles Ichogor visited the site and urged the locals to remain calm as efforts are made to resolve the issue. He emphasized the need for collaboration and community involvement in finding a way forward. “We need to work together to address this issue. Let’s remain calm and find a solution that benefits everyone,” the RDC urged.
The community hopes that a mutually agreeable solution will be reached soon, allowing both the safety concerns of the school and the access needs of the residents to be addressed. As discussions continue, the involvement of key stakeholders will be crucial in finding a resolution that promotes harmony and addresses the needs of all parties involved.
