MUGABE R
Over 300 residents from the six cells of Nyakihita Parish in Mutara Sub County, Mitooma District, successfully participated in a communal work event on Tuesday, 30th October 2024, to advance the construction of the Kazoora Foundation Water Project pipeline network.
The Kazoora Foundation initiated this water project on 1st September 2024, with Mitooma Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Francis Kibuuka Bazigatirawa presiding over the launch. Estimated to cost 500 million Ugandan shillings, the project aims to provide free, non-partisan water to the cells of Mutaka, Rwakikambuzi, Rwanyandere, Akagaana, Kyamurunda, and Nyakihita, with future plans to expand to Ruhinda South County. Beneficiaries are contributing land and labor to support the construction of the pipeline.
Arthur Atuhweirire Kazoora, Managing Director of Kazoora Foundation and Ruhinda South County Parliamentary Candidate, explained that the project is in response to the severe water shortage in the region and is made possible by a reliable water source discovered on the slopes of Rwakikambuzi Hill. The cells of Akagaana and Kyamurunda are already benefiting from this new water source.
LC1 Chairperson of Mutaka Cell, Caleb Kajungu, confirmed that locals have volunteered land and labor to expedite the construction, motivated by the need to address the scarcity of clean water and reduce dependency on contaminated sources.
Justine Muhoozi, an elder from Rwakikambuzi Cell, commended Arthur Kazoora’s initiative, noting the challenges faced by expectant mothers and adolescent girls who often fetch water from distant valleys, frequently shared with livestock, leading to health risks.
Pastor Shapati Kakuru of Nyakihita Full Gospel Church expressed his full support for the project, highlighting its importance in combating waterborne diseases. He noted that at least 85% of health issues in the area are attributed to contaminated water.
Suzarius Mwebembezi, Chairperson of the Construction Committee for the Kazoora Foundation Water Project, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the government and development partners. He shared that residents had lobbied for Kazoora Foundation’s support due to the reliable water source and the hilly terrain’s water scarcity.
Justus Tuhwerize, Chairperson of LC2 Nyakihita, commended the Foundation’s efforts to tackle waterborne diseases, mentioning that locals are eager to participate in communal work every Wednesday to ensure the project’s success.
Lawrensio Bagundiira, Sub County Elderly Councilor, conveyed gratitude for the project’s progress, pointing out that previous council reports seeking water solutions had been unsuccessful.
Kazoora Foundation’s Site Engineer, Richard Semanda, called for sustained community enthusiasm in building the pipeline network, emphasized the need for its protection from vandalism and assured residents of connectivity and long-term sustainability.
