VANESSA A
The persistent lack of clean water access in Bucundura Parish, Kashambya Subcounty, Rukiga District has led to an outcry from residents for reliable access to safe water.
It is reported that they had only one shallow well, which was constructed by the government but later got damaged and is no longer functional. They say it used to serve close to three cells.
Speaking to our reporter, the Chairperson LC1 of Omukajanjare Cell, Johnson Bihangwa, said that as far as access to clean water is concerned, his people are struggling. He noted that they have no water sources in the area and currently share water with animals from Omukyihogo River.
He further called upon the government to at least provide them with a borehole in the area to reduce the problem.
Moses Twakyire, a resident of the same area, echoed similar concerns, saying they have struggled with this problem for a long time and have reached out to those responsible, but nothing has yet been done to repair the shallow well.
He further cited how water services in their area are inadequate, as they still share water with animals. He added that they had written to those responsible to at least provide them with tanks as they wait for a permanent solution, but nothing has been done.
Provili Tumwijukye and Emmanuel Niwahereza, who are also residents of Omukajanjare Cell, expressed their frustration, saying the well has not been functional for a long time, yet it used to serve three cells, which are now stranded and using water from Omukyihogo River, which is unsafe for their lives.
They further called for help from the responsible authorities to repair the well for better services and, if possible, construct a borehole in their area.
However, speaking to the Chairperson LC5 of Rukiga District, Mbabazi Kakwerere said they are aware of the challenge and will construct tanks to harvest water as promised by the Ministry of National Water and Sewerage Corporation, since there are no water sources (eshuro) in place. He called for patience from the residents.
