NELSON K
Residents of Kigata Trading Centre in Kanshenkye I and Kanshenkye II cells, Western Ward, Bikurungu Town Council, have today raised concerns about the longstanding challenge of water scarcity and the poor, impassable roads in the area.
The residents voiced their concerns during a campaign rally of Rujumbura County Independent Candidate Mr. Murebire Junior Rwendeire, who was seeking votes ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking during the rally, the Kanshenkye I Cell LC1 Chairperson, Mr. Manzi Robert, expressed frustration and dissatisfaction over the lack of essential services in their area, which he said has hindered economic development and contributed to high poverty levels.
Mr. Manzi said that the poor state of roads and the lack of clean water sources have forced residents to fetch water from dirty ponds, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases among both adults and school children. He criticized past leaders for failing to fulfill their promises, noting that residents had trusted them to lobby for essential services but were only met with disappointment.
He used the opportunity to ask Mr. Rwendeire not to disappoint residents if elected, but instead to lobby for essential services, promote economic development, and help eliminate poverty.
Similarly, residents led by Mrs. Sarah Mbabazi raised concerns over the persistent water scarcity and impassable roads, saying these challenges have greatly affected the health of residents, who frequently visit health centers for treatment.
Despite having access to electricity, she said water scarcity remains a longstanding problem throughout the Western Ward, noting that the entire Kigata Trading Centre and Kanshenkye I Cell rely on a single dirty pond.
In response, Rujumbura County MP aspirant Mr. Murebire Junior Rwendeire, while addressing the rally in Bikurungu Town Council, urged voters to make informed choices in the forthcoming general elections and elect leaders who can deliver and effectively represent their needs by lobbying for essential services.
Acknowledging the challenges residents face, he pledged to lobby for tertiary skilling institutions to address youth unemployment, ensure accountability, and advocate for clean water sources, good roads, bridges, and improved health infrastructure. He called on residents to support him with their votes and promote peaceful campaigns and free and fair elections.
He further expressed his commitment, if elected, to construct the Kanshenkye–Nyabukumba Bridge, which connects the two areas and plays a vital role in trade and economic transformation. He also appealed to the responsible government technical teams to intervene and provide essential services, including clean water sources, to save residents from recurring waterborne diseases.
