Editor
Traders and residents of Rwerere Town Council in Rukungiri District have raised concerns over the consumption of contaminated water. They claim they are forced to rely on river water, which has been polluted by human waste, garbage from the town, and motorcycle washing, due to a shortage of safe and clean water sources.
Nalongo Apophia Turyahebwa, a resident of Kiguha Cell and businesswoman in Rwerere Town, reiterated that she frequently witnesses human waste while fetching water from the Kiguha stream, but she has no alternative.
Andrew Arinaitwe, another resident of Kiguha Cell, expressed frustration at having to compete with livestock, swimmers, and motorcycle cleaners while fetching water.
Elias Tusiime, a Boda Boda rider in Rwerere Town Council, attributed the lack of a designated washing bay in the area to the shortage of clean water, leading to injuries from self-cleaning motorcycles and the contamination of homestead rivers.
Ivan Nuwagaba Super, the Chairperson of the Rwerere Business Community, assured the public that complaints have been ongoing, but the leaders have remained unresponsive.
Kabot Ndyamweha, the Town Council Councilor representing Rushoroza Ward, criticized the Town Council administration for merely brainstorming complaints instead of taking action.
Catherine Tumusimire, the LC3 Chairperson of Rwerere Town Council, confirmed the severity of the situation and called for intervention from the Ministry of Water, stating that the project is beyond the financial capacity of the Town Council and that responsible leaders have been unresponsive.
