Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Water has initiated a crucial water project to resolve the severe water shortage in Mpungu Sub-County. Led by Hon. Rugi Kaberuka, the area Member of Parliament, the project is set to provide a reliable water supply to the region by utilizing gravity-fed water sources.
The ministry has identified key water sources for the project, including Inyweero in Kihogo Cell, MBWA along the Mbwa Water Stream in Kanyashogi Cell, and sources within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The project will cover multiple cells, including Kihogo, Bushegenyi, Kigaaga, Kyambeya, Kibingo, Karambi, Kanyashogi, Nyamizo, Murukore, Murushasha, Rukingwe, Katunda, Bweyongyezo, Karukara, and Hakikoome.
Hon. Rugi Kaberuka emphasized that the government has allocated the necessary funds for the project, which will be released as soon as the assessment phase is completed. Water officer Brian Semakula urged residents to cooperate and provide any necessary information to assist in the water-sourcing process.
Dr. Tumwesigye Emmanuel, a water consultant working with the ministry, explained that the project was initiated two years ago, with consultants proposing suitable sources and sites for water supply. The government has tasked him with evaluating the appropriateness of these sources to ensure a successful implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed within three months.
MP Rugi Kaberuka expressed his commitment to ensuring the project benefits all families in Mpungu Sub-County. He highlighted that the project will be managed by the Ministry of Water, which will help reduce costs for residents.
Ndyomugyenyi Robert, the LC3 Chairperson, thanked Hon. Kaberuka on behalf of the people of Mpungu for securing funds to address their water needs. He noted that residents currently travel up to 10 kilometers to fetch water, often from unhygienic sources, exposing them to health risks and safety concerns.
Some local council leaders reported that women and girls in their areas face significant dangers, including the risk of rape and defilement, due to the long distances they travel to collect water. The new project aims to alleviate these challenges and provide a safe and reliable water supply for the community.
The water project, which has been a work in progress for the past two years, will involve consultants from WSS Services and is designed to bring significant improvements to the water supply in Mpungu Sub-County.
