VANESSA A
Residents of Nyarubare and Kyabahinda cells in Nyarubare Parish, Ntungamo Subcounty, Ntungamo District have raised concerns over persistent water scarcity, which they say has greatly affected their lives and health.
For years, locals in the two cells have struggled to access clean and safe water. In Kyabahinda, leaders say government has not fulfilled its promise to pump water from the gravity flow scheme located in the valleys to the hilly areas where most households live.
James Namara, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyabahinda, and his Vice Chairperson, Barius Agustine, said it is disappointing that despite hosting the scheme, residents remain water-stressed.
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“The gravity flow water scheme is here in our cell but we don’t access clean water because it is in the lower valley. We were promised water would be pumped to our households, but up to now nothing has been done. People have resorted to digging dams which is dangerous for their health.”
The situation is no different in Nyarubare cell. Jesca Basiimire, a resident, noted that families are forced to fetch muddy water from farms and swamps, often contaminated by animals, fueling the spread of waterborne diseases.
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“The only borehole we have is in another cell and it’s always overcrowded. We appeal to our leaders to provide us with reliable water sources because what we drink now is unsafe.”
Another resident, Emmanuel Sabiiti, emphasized how far they travel to access clean water, with those lacking rainwater tanks suffering the most.
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“Even the few springs we had are no longer functional. We spend a lot of money in hospitals treating waterborne diseases. We need these sources renovated and better solutions given.”
When contacted, Ntungamo District LC5 Chairperson, Sam Mucunguzi, acknowledged the water challenge in the two cells. He revealed that the district plans to identify alternative sources and pump water from the Akahama water project. He also urged residents to formally write to the district leadership so they can provide temporary relief as they await a permanent piped water solution.
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“We are aware of the challenge. As we work on a permanent piped water project, residents should write to the district leadership so that we provide them with a temporary solution.”
