MUGABE R
Beth Nanziri, an elderly woman from Rwakabengo A, Rwakabengo Ward, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, is calling on the Ministry of Water and Environment to free her land from irrigation equipment and allow its proper utilization.
During the 2020/21 financial year, the Ministry of Water and Environment constructed the Rwakabengo Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme, which operated until July 2024 before breaking down, causing farmers significant losses.
Nanziri, the owner of the land where the scheme was established, expressed confusion over its dysfunction and called on the Ministry to either repair the system or remove the equipment to allow her to use the land for other productive activities.
Allen Mugabirwe, a farmer, highlighted the grievances of farmers, saying the rise and fall of the project had resulted in financial losses, including wasted seed capital.
Mathias Kahonaho, another farmer, emphasized how the scheme had once supported family stability, with farmers committed to agriculture and supplying produce to Rukungiri Central Market. He called on stakeholders and authorities to advocate for repairing the equipment so that it can once again supply water for both agriculture and domestic use.
Denis Buzabo, the Head of the Production Office in Rukungiri Municipality, attributed the delay in repairs to the refusal of the farmers’ chairperson and the land estate manager to sign the consent form. He revealed readiness to petition the Ministry of Water and Environment for a transfer of the project.
