VANESSA A
Residents of Nyarwimuka Parish in Ruhinda Sub-county have raised concerns over persistent water scarcity that has affected the area for many years.
It is reported that the parish has eight cells, but only two have water springs. This has led to overcrowding at the few available water sources, making access to clean water difficult.
Speaking to our reporter, the LC1 Chairperson of Omwibumba Cell, Benon Bakesigaki, said sickness has become common due to the consumption of unsafe water.
He added that residents walk long distances to fetch water from the only river available in Nyarwimuka. He also noted that during the rainy season, people resort to using stagnant and flood water, which is unsafe for human consumption. Bakesigaki said the community has only received empty promises from their leaders.
The Vice Chairperson LC1 of Ihiindiro Cell, Johnson Tugamuhangye, said that although Nyarwimuka Parish faces many challenges, water scarcity is the most disturbing. He explained that Nyarwimuka Health Centre II registers many typhoid cases as a result of residents drinking contaminated water, which has increased household expenditure on medical treatment.
He further revealed that residents walk very long distances to access clean water, noting that those without boda bodas spend up to three hours walking to the water source.
The LC2 Chairperson of Nyarwimuka Parish, Gershom Muleera, said the parish has no reliable water sources, which has severely limited water supply. He highlighted that the area lacks both boreholes and gravity flow water systems, forcing residents to rely on dirty water sources. Muleera added that some residents are compelled to buy water, with a jerrycan costing up to one thousand shillings.
However, the LC3 Chairperson of Ruhinda Sub-county, Hellen Kabajungu, confirmed the water challenge and said the sub-county has made efforts to lobby for improved water supply in Nyarwimuka. She explained that the absence of viable water sources has limited progress, though a few water springs have been constructed.
Kabajungu expressed optimism that the South Western Umbrella of the Ministry of Water and Environment will address the problem. She said plans are underway to supply clean water through the construction of water tanks in Kabale, adding that all the required documentation has been submitted to ensure Nyarwimuka residents eventually access clean water.
