VENESSA A
Residents of Nyakihanga Cell, Karangaro Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality, are facing a water shortage, with some residents forced to walk long distances to get water.
Agnes Natuhwera, a resident, says they used to collect water from the boreholes, streams, and rivers in the valleys near their home during the rainy season, but these have since dried up, forcing them to walk long distances.
She noted that they have been suffering in this area for a long time without access to clean water, where cases of waterborne diseases are common in their ward because they have been drinking dirty water from the valleys, which they sometimes share with animals. She lamented that there is a lot of congestion at the few water points. Their water point serves a population of more than 300 people across ten villages in the parish, which takes a person more than two hours to fetch water.
Robert Mugabe, also a resident, echoed similar sentiments, noting that they have been suffering in this area for a long time without access to clean water, where cases of waterborne diseases are common because they have been drinking dirty water from the valleys, which they sometimes share with animals, putting their lives at high risk.
He says the situation is even more challenging during these holiday times, hence making it hard for mothers to prepare for children and family since many hours are spent looking for water. Mugabe appeals to the relevant authorities to intervene in the situation to prevent people from contracting waterborne diseases like typhoid fever and diarrhea.
In response, Sylvia Katibira, the LCIII Chairperson, Eastern division Rukungiri Municipality, acknowledged the challenge, saying there is a water shortage, but she assured residents that they are planning to construct a spring in their area, as they have already written a letter to the ministry and are waiting for a response. She asks residents to be patient as their concerns are being addressed.
