STELLA T
Residents of Kafunjo Village in Nyakaina Parish, Buyanja Subcounty, Rukungiri District, have raised concerns over a severe water shortage, with some forced to walk several kilometers in search of water.
Turyahikayo David, a resident of Nyakaina Parish, told our reporter that he spends nearly 3,000 shillings daily to access clean water for domestic use. He explained that they previously relied on boreholes, streams, and rivers in nearby valleys during the rainy season, but these water sources have since dried up.
Kamugisha Nyasio, the area councilor for Nyakaina Parish, confirmed that residents have suffered from water scarcity for a long time. He noted that due to the lack of clean water, cases of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea are common in the subcounty, as many people resort to drinking contaminated water from the valleys, which they often share with animals.
He further pointed out that the few available water sources are overcrowded, with a single water point serving over 200 people across seven villages. As a result, residents spend more than two hours fetching water from the streams.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the LC III Chairperson of Buyanja Subcounty, acknowledged the severity of the crisis, stating that the situation is particularly challenging during school days, making it difficult for mothers to prepare their children for school as they spend hours searching for water.
He noted that residents had pinned their hopes on the Kahege water project, but it failed to materialize. He now appeals to the relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
In response, Deus Twekwase, the Senior Engineer of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in Rukungiri District, advised residents to formally submit their concerns through the office of the LC III Chairperson, who will forward their request to the engineering department for action.
He urged residents to be patient as authorities work on a solution to address the crisis.
