VANESSA A
Residents of Nyamunuka Town Council in Ntungamo District are facing a growing sanitation crisis due to the absence of a public toilet and a designated garbage dumping site. The situation has left the community at high risk of contracting diseases such as cholera and typhoid, as waste continues to be indiscriminately disposed of in a nearby swamp that was originally preserved for environmental conservation.
Local leaders and residents have expressed deep concern over the worsening sanitation conditions. They say the lack of a public toilet has forced people to resort to using bushes and house walls, especially during public events. The problem is compounded by the fact that garbage is often dumped at night in undesignated areas, polluting the environment and endangering public health.
Community members have called on the government and local authorities to prioritize sanitation infrastructure, pledging to contribute their own resources if the town council can provide additional support.
When contacted, Nyamunuka Town Council Mayor Sadarah Kahindi and Assistant Town Clerk Agnes Tukahebwa acknowledged the challenge. They noted that although there is one gazetted dumping site within the town council, the construction of a public toilet is not included in the current financial year’s budget. However, they assured residents that the issue will be addressed in the next financial year.
Residents now hope that action will be taken soon to improve sanitation and prevent a potential disease outbreak in the area.
