NELSON K
Ngomba Parish residents in Rugarama Subcounty, Ntungamo District, have raised concerns over longstanding challenges of clean water and electricity scarcity in their area.
Residents say these challenges have persisted for years, forcing some of them to travel long distances in search of water and electricity services, while others have no option but to fetch water from ponds and rivers.
Speaking to Boona Radio, local leaders from the area led by the Nyamirama Cell LC1 Chairperson, Mr. Jackson Twemara, and the Nyakabungo Cell LC1 Chairperson, Mrs. Melody Natuha, expressed frustration over the continued lack of these essential services despite raising regular concerns to government officials and leaders.
They said residents living far from clean gravity water sources — mainly located in nearby parts of the Kigezi subregion — are often forced to draw water from ponds, wetlands, and rivers, which are unsafe for domestic use. They added that such essential services are only visible in neighboring parts of Kigezi, yet Ngomba Parish remains neglected.
With joint effort, residents have called upon the government and technical leaders to urgently intervene and provide the missing essential services in their area.
In response, the Rugarama Subcounty District Councillor, Mr. Muraaza Edison, confirmed that the largest clean water source is located in Ngomba Parish. However, it became too expensive for ordinary residents to maintain after the project was taken over by National Water and Sewerage Corporation, which charges between 1,000 to 1,500 shillings monthly. He noted that this high cost has forced many residents to resort to unsafe water sources such as ponds and rivers, since most families have low incomes and cannot afford the water bills.
Mr. Muraaza also addressed the electricity issue, explaining that for the past seven years, several attempts to extend electricity to the area have failed despite writing letters to the technical ministry, leaders, and making follow-ups.
He added that residents now rely on solar panels, traditional lamps, and candles for lighting, while others install water tanks to harvest rainwater since very few can afford to pay for piped water. Muraaza further mentioned that local leaders have already reported these challenges to the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Naume Kabashariira, and the District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Sam Mucunguzi, from whom they expect positive feedback to help improve residents’ living conditions.
