MUGABE R
Residents in Rukungiri Municipality are consuming contaminated water from Butimba Water Spring, despite health warnings issued by authorities.
The Butimba Water Spring is located behind the Karegyesa Road shops in Butimba Cell, Kinyasano Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
Gumisiriza Swaibu, a resident of the area, confirmed that the spring supplies water in large quantities, especially during weekends and the dry season.
Kasigazi Julius, a carpenter operating in the Butimba workshops, acknowledged that the spring was closed by municipal health workers. However, he noted that residents have defied the closure due to a shortage of alternative water sources.
Turyagyenda Ezra, the LC1 Chairperson of Butimba Cell, emphasized that the water source was officially closed. He expressed concern over the residents’ continued use of the spring and urged authorities to seal it off completely.
Asiimwe Evas, the Rukungiri Municipal Council Health Inspector, explained that the spring was declared unfit for human consumption due to its proximity to toilets located along Karegyesa Road. She added that enforcement operations are underway to apprehend and penalize those who continue to use it.
