VANESSA A
The stalled exercise of reaching clean water access to residents of Rubanga Parish in Buyanja Subcounty, Rukungiri District, has triggered residents’ call for government intervention.
It is reported that the pipes were brought and put in a few cells, but for a good number of months now they haven’t seen any promises of having access to clean water as the project has stalled.
Rubanga Parish Woman Councilor Phionah Beinomugisha, speaking to our reporter, revealed that as the public they have not benefited at all, saying the water is in the pipes but the technocrats have not extended them to people’s households for them to benefit.
She further highlighted that, to their surprise, water pipes always break, saying they’re incurring a lot of money in transport costs to get clean water, calling upon district stakeholders and the central government, especially the newly elected, to help in lobbying for clean water access.
Another resident of Kyamabare Cell in Rubanga Parish, Innocent Kahimakazi, also highlighted that they’re truly struggling with muddy water, especially at Korero-Rubanga Health Centre II, as they have never seen even a tap. He said sometime back they brought water pipes, but the delay has been evidenced with the pipes reaching an extent of breaking and water splashing all over whereas people have no access to it.
He further revealed that almost four cells in Rubanga Parish share one spring, leading to congestion and failure of many to access clean water, and they end up using unclean water from dams which is not safe for their health.
On the other hand, speaking to Chairperson LC3 Buyanja Subcounty, Agaba Emmy Rubondo revealed that so far, so good as far as the Kahengye water project is concerned. However much it has stalled for long, at least they’re doing all it takes to make sure people access clean water.
He further gave an affirmation that the newly elected leaders, whose term of office begins in May, will closely work together with National Water to make sure people access clean water, calling for patience from residents.
