AMOS K
Residents of Nyabikyenkye and Kyafoora cells in Rugarama North Sub-county, Ntungamo District, have continued to raise concerns over the persistent lack of clean and safe water in their area.
It is reported that water scarcity has been a long-standing challenge, despite the residents consistently participating in elections and voting for leaders.
Coleb Ninsiima, a resident of Nyabikyenkye, expressed his frustration, saying they share water from wells with animals. He added that the water often gets contaminated during the rainy season due to flooding, putting their lives at risk of contracting waterborne diseases.
Happiness Arinaitwe, another resident, said they depend on dirty water from wells. He noted that although they boil it before drinking to reduce the risk of diseases, the water is still unsafe. He further stated that they have repeatedly appealed to their leaders for help, but nothing has been done so far.
Reverend Jonathan Timusiime highlighted that clean water supplied by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation only reaches a few areas of Rugarama, leaving most parts without access to safe water. He also mentioned that some residents rely on rainwater, which is unsafe—especially for those with old, rusty iron sheets.
Speaking to Boona FM, the LC3 Chairperson of Rugarama North Sub-county, Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibale, confirmed that water scarcity remains their biggest challenge. He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to urgently address the issue, expressing concern over the potential outbreak of cholera, which is commonly spread through dirty water.
Rwanyakibale urged residents to remain patient and take precautionary measures by cleaning available water sources and boiling water before consumption to prevent disease.
