KATO NELSON
Residents of Kakirago and Nyakinengo cells in Bugangari Parish, Bugangari Sub-County, Rukungiri District, have raised concerns about severe water scarcity and contamination in their area.
Brian Agaba, a resident of Nyakinengo Cell, explained to our reporter that the community has struggled with this challenge for a long time. The only water well in the area is damaged, and water flows beneath it instead of collecting properly. As a result, residents often have no choice but to fetch water from ponds and rivers, which is unsafe and contaminated.
Agaba urged the relevant government authorities to address the problem and provide access to clean water to protect the community from diseases caused by contaminated water.
Abdu Musiime, the LC1 Chairperson of Kakirago Cell, confirmed that the residents rely on unsafe, contaminated water, which is collected from distant areas deep in the village. He mentioned that this has led to the outbreak of diseases like typhoid and cholera. Musiime added that, due to the scarcity of natural water streams, the community is left with only one option: relying on boreholes.
However, Madam Ankunda Emery, the Parish Chief of Bugangari Sub-County, told our reporter that she is not aware of the water scarcity challenges facing Kakirago and Nyakinengo cells.
Byamukama Jaston, the LC3 Chairperson of Bugangari Sub-County, stated that residents need to exercise patience and understanding. He assured them that Raising the Village (RTV) organization plans to address the water problem in the next financial year.
