VANESSA A
Residents of Kyitondo Parish in Ihunga Subcounty, Ntungamo District are crying out over severe water scarcity in their area.
It is reported that Kyitondo has over 16 cells, but only three have access to spring water sources, leaving the rest of the community helpless and forced to use unclean water.
Speaking to our reporter, the newly elected NRM Chairperson of Nombe Cell, Benasi Turyarugayo, said they are struggling with not only water scarcity but also electricity shortages. He noted that the same water used by people is also shared with animals. Despite writing several letters requesting at least a borehole, no action has been taken so far.
He added that his cell has over 600 residents but no reliable water source. Especially after heavy rains, well water becomes contaminated, forcing them to rely on rainwater.
Aggrey Kushaba, the councilor of Kyitondo Parish, also expressed his frustration. He said the entire parish lacks gravitational water supply, even though the pipeline passes through the town. He noted that residents do not have a single functional borehole or shallow well, and those that existed are no longer operational.
He emphasized that due to the lack of clean water, people have continued to use contaminated water, which has led to a rise in illnesses reported at Kyitondo Health Centre III.
Anthony Tumwesigye, a resident of Kakwanzi Cell, said there is no reliable water source in Kakwanzi. As a result, residents are forced to use unsafe water, which has led to the spread of waterborne diseases. He added that when people go to Kyitondo Health Centre, they often find there is no medicine.
He further explained how difficult it is to access clean water, saying they have approached their leaders about the issue, only to receive empty promises. He expressed fear for the children, who are often sent to collect water from dams, which are dangerous and pose the risk of drowning.
However, speaking to our reporter, Ntungamo District Chairperson LC5 Sam Mucunguzi advised the residents of Kyitondo to write formal letters to the district. He assured them that once their request is received, they will be considered for a temporary water source as they wait for a permanent solution, which includes piped water.
He added that there is a plan to identify a water source in Kyitondo and pump water directly from the Akahama Water Project in Nyabushenyi, which will then be distributed through Kagarama to all parts of the district.
