MICHAEL N
Residents and taxi operators in Ntungamo Municipality have raised alarm over the deteriorating health conditions at the municipality’s main taxi park, citing a lack of proper sanitation facilities and growing insecurity.
Ntungamo taxi park serves as a major hub, receiving vehicles from Kabale, Rukungiri, Mbarara, Mirama Hills, and Katuna. The park is surrounded by businesses including garages, hotels, shops, and coal stores, attracting a high daily population. However, residents say the worsening hygiene situation is putting their lives at risk.
Community members report that there are no clean latrines or functional drainage trenches to carry sewage from the park. The trenches are frequently clogged with hotel waste and used as open toilets by some individuals, resulting in a foul stench that permeates the area. Residents fear an outbreak of cholera and other diseases if no action is taken.
Business operators reveal that they pay to use the public latrine during the day, but at night many resort to defecating in open trenches, worsening the health situation. The latrine reportedly fills up every two months, and emptying it is difficult for the municipal council. The pit used for disposing of sewage is also located within the taxi park, further contributing to the foul smell.
Residents and business owners say they have resorted to wearing masks to cope with the stench, blaming hotel operators and coal store owners for dumping waste into the trenches. The sewage ultimately flows into Kyamate swamp, where some residents still fetch water for domestic use, raising additional public health concerns.
Beyond the health risk, residents are also worried about growing insecurity, saying it is unsafe to walk alone beyond 8 p.m. in some areas of the town due to inadequate security patrols.
Leaders of the taxi park admit that the situation is dire. They say they have attempted to improve the latrine facilities through community work but lack sufficient funds to maintain sanitation and pay for night guards. They are appealing to municipal leaders and development partners to construct a modern latrine and proper drainage system to prevent sewage from flowing into the swamp.
Ntungamo Municipality Mayor Jacob Kafureeka acknowledged the challenge, noting that taxes collected by the council are remitted to the central government, leaving limited funds for service delivery. He said the council is doing its best to maintain cleanliness at the park but needs additional support to address the growing health and security concerns.
