VANESSA A
Residents of Buhandagazi Cell in Nyarubare Parish, Ntungamo Subcounty, Ntungamo District are grappling with severe water scarcity following the breakdown of all boreholes in the area.
According to residents, the water crisis has worsened in recent months, leaving them with no choice but to fetch water from open dams, which are often contaminated and unsafe for consumption. Springs (locally known as emigano) that previously served the community have also dried up or become non-functional.
Locals say they largely depend on rainwater during the wet season, but the situation becomes unbearable during the dry months as they are forced to walk long distances in search of water. Some residents have resorted to buying water at high prices, which many cannot afford.
They are now appealing to their leaders to intervene and rehabilitate the broken boreholes or find alternative sources of clean water.
However, the LC3 Chairperson for Ntungamo Subcounty, Kyibaija Ruhinja, said his office has not received any formal communication from the area councilors regarding the issue. He urged them to write officially to enable him to present the matter before the subcounty council for immediate action.
The community continues to suffer in the absence of a reliable and clean water source, with urgent intervention needed to avert a potential health crisis.
