In January of this year, the Rukungiri district team, led by District Chairperson Geofrey Kyomukama, visited Omukatooma and Omurutezo villages in Murama parish, Nyakyishenyi sub-county.
During this visit, they made a promise to the residents that their water project would be considered in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Now, the residents are seeking a response from Geofrey Kyomukama and his executive to determine whether their water project has been completed according to the proposed plan they were promised in that financial year.
Geofrey Kyomukama had made this promise in response to a petition submitted by residents to the office of the Chief Administrative Officer of Rukungiri district. The petition raised concerns about the commissioning of an incomplete gravity flow scheme in the area, known as the Omukatooma gravity flow scheme, which had been constructed by Dalkam Technical Services Limited.
Kyomukama stated that, based on information he received from the district water office, they are currently seeking funds to complete the project. In the meantime, a water spring was renovated in the area to provide clean water to the residents.
The confusion surrounding this water scheme arose when residents alleged poor accountability, citing that the work done did not justify the funds spent, according to a report from the district water office that was presented to the residents in January.
The project was planned to be carried out in two phases. The first phase was budgeted at 127 million, as indicated by a signpost at Omukakabanda trading center. However, there is uncertainty regarding the budget for the second phase, leaving the residents in the dark.
Residents, led by Benephance Tumwesigye, the Murama parish councilor in Nyakyishenyi sub-county, expressed their dissatisfaction with the responses they’ve received. They feel that the district leaders have not honored their promise to consider the project in the current financial year.
Tumwesigye also mentioned that, contrary to the district water office’s claims, no water spring has been built or renovated in the area. Consequently, the residents are now preparing to gather signatures for a petition to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. They hope to bring these authorities to the area to investigate the status of the Omukatooma gravity flow scheme, as it appears the district leaders have not fulfilled their commitment.
