VANESSA A
Residents of Nyabishakyi Cell in Kirembe Parish, Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, Rukungiri District, are appealing for urgent intervention over a long-standing clean water crisis.
Kirembe Parish, a newly created administrative unit with three cells, is situated in a hilly area and lacks even a single natural spring, leaving locals to walk long distances in search of water.
Wilberforce Ahabwe, LC1 Chairperson for Nyabishakyi Cell, and his deputy, Fuligencio Bashaka, told our reporter that accessing clean water is a daily struggle. They noted that during the dry season, residents sometimes pay between 2,500 and 3,000 shillings for a jerrycan of water, as the nearest spring is far away.
Elias Ndagano, Chairperson of Nyabishakyi Hiika, expressed frustration over the lack of access to safe water, stating that elderly residents are forced to hire people to fetch water for them. He criticized leaders for making empty promises during election campaigns and urged immediate action by the government.
Kirembe and Kafunjo Parish Councilor Gideon Tumwesigye confirmed the dire situation, explaining that residents often trek to another parish to access a spring. Many have resorted to fetching water from the Rugando River, which is unsafe for consumption. He appealed for urgent intervention, describing clean water access as “a blessing” the community desperately needs.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Nyakyishenyi Subcounty LC3 Chairperson Wednesday Twinomujuni assured residents that plans are already underway, in collaboration with the District Water Officer, to extend safe water access to Kirembe Parish. He said the initiative aims to ensure communities benefit from government water projects, just as was recently achieved with the Mabindi Water Project.
