VANESSA A
Water scarcity has become a major stumbling block in Kazaza Cell, Kamahuri Parish, Rugarama North Sub-County in Ntungamo District, leaving hundreds of residents struggling to access clean and safe water.
The cell, which comprises over 400 households, is currently served by only one shallow well. Residents say the well is too far for some, forcing many to resort to using dam water, which they share with animals, posing serious health risks.
Gaton Yoramu, the chairperson of LC1 of Kazaza Cell, expressed deep frustration over the dire situation, revealing that the single shallow well leaves a large section of the population uncovered and in desperate need of another water source.
Echoing similar concerns, Edson Byamukama, a resident of Kazaza, emphasized the gravity of the issue, noting that Kazaza Cell has a much larger population compared to other cells in Kamahuri. He highlighted that apart from the single shallow well, there is neither a borehole nor a tap in the area.
Byamukama pointed out that this has led to congestion at the well, prompting residents to turn to unsafe water sources, such as dams. He warned that the continued use of contaminated water is endangering lives and contributing to outbreaks of diseases like typhoid and malaria.
Steven Gakyibayo, the vice chairperson of Kazaza Cell, added his voice to the growing concern, stating that access to clean water in the area remains a serious challenge. He reiterated that the population is forced to rely on flooded and contaminated water, exposing them to numerous health risks.
Gakyibayo made a passionate appeal to the government to urgently intervene and provide a second shallow well or an alternative clean water source to alleviate the suffering of the residents.
In response to the outcry, the chairperson of LC5 of Ntungamo District, Sam Mucunguzi, acknowledged the water crisis affecting Rugarama North. He assured the residents that the district leadership is aware of the situation and is actively seeking solutions.
Mucunguzi promised that in the next financial year, the district will undertake extensive water source design projects aimed at increasing access to clean and safe water. He called for patience as the district works on long-term solutions.
