NELSON K
Residents and local leaders in Rwanja West Parish, Rurehe Sub-county, Mitooma District, have raised serious concerns over persistent water scarcity and lack of electricity, issues that have affected the community for an extended period.
The LC2 Chairperson of Gwanja West, Mr. Barigye Augustine, told Boona FM that residents have continuously voiced their frustrations to leaders, but no tangible results have been seen. He said the longstanding water and electricity challenges have become a daily burden.
In addition to the water and electricity crisis, Barigye highlighted the lack of improved education facilities, especially after changes in the national curriculum. He noted that several students in the area who had ambitions of joining nursing courses are now stranded, with no viable options.
Mr. Barigye also criticized the Mitooma District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. Benon Karyeija, for neglecting to repair a broken signpost that once marked the border between Rukungiri and Mitooma districts. He said the signpost is now rusting away in storage.
Similarly, the LC1 Chairperson of Ntungamo Village, Mr. Begumisa Silagi, expressed deep concern over the water crisis. He said the lack of access to clean water has forced residents to depend on unsafe water from rivers and ponds, endangering the lives of students, institutions, and churches. Silagi warned that the situation is creating a risk for outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
He appealed to the relevant government authorities to urgently address the community’s long-standing call for clean water and electricity.
In Rwamusharara, the LC1 Chairperson Mr. Kato Beresiyano echoed the same concerns. He noted that although they have one water spring, it is insufficient to meet the needs of the large population. He appealed to government agencies to increase access to clean water, particularly through gravity water projects.
Responding to these concerns, Mitooma District LC5 Chairperson Mr. Benon Karyeija said the district has partnered with organizations such as Raising The Village, RUDFA, and Rukungiri Women Integrated Development Foundation to establish over 280 clean water sources across different villages.
He assured the public that his office will work with local leaders to assess the most affected areas in Rwanja and Rurehe to find sustainable solutions.
