VANESSA A
Residents of Kanoni cell, Kashenyi parish, Ngoma Subcounty, Ntungamo district decry the persistent water scarcity challenge in their area.
It is reported that the government had done mapping to serve water in the whole of Kashenyi parish in last financial year but later stopped at Kashenyi trading centre, leaving many cells unattended to.
Speaking to our reporter, Defence Secretary Kanoni cell, Boaz Niwamanya, confirmed that they fetch water from dams in people’s farms, saying that during the dry season cattle keepers do not allow them to fetch before their cows, and during the rainy season the water gets muddy and dirty for consumption.
He further highlighted how last year they lost close to three children who drowned in dams, calling for government intervention through their leaders to extend water to the villages for the good health of residents.
Nicholas Muhumuza, a resident of Kanoni cell, expressed frustration over the same, saying they consume water from dams which they share with animals, and that the boreholes which were in place are no longer functional and need repair.
He further said they don’t have even springs, adding that diseases resulting from drinking unclean water are the order of the day, as they have no other option but to fetch from dams which are also miles away from homes.
Another resident, Rodgers Nuwamanya, also echoed his voice on the matter, saying they collect water from swamps and still have to walk long distances, which is hectic.
He further highlighted that many children who go to collect water end up drowning, and that consuming such water contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases, calling for help from their leaders.
However, speaking to the Chairperson LC3 Ngoma Subcounty, Herbert Nyesiga, said the officials responsible for extensions from Kashenyi Trading Centre noted that the money allocated in that financial year was only enough to finish the mapping, but the government is soliciting funds to ensure completion as planned.
He further called for patience from the public, saying government projects may delay but are always completed, which could be the reason the project has not yet been officially handed over, as people are using it privately.
