AINEMBABAZI V
Residents of Shumba Cell in Bwanga Parish, Nyarushanje Subcounty, Rukungiri District, are expressing frustration over severe water scarcity in their area.
It is reported that the village once had access to clean water through a government project that supplied water from Muhiro in Nyarushanje. However, the project was discontinued about ten years ago, leaving residents struggling to find safe water sources.
Speaking to our reporter, Alice Tumwebaze, a resident of Shumba Cell, expressed her disappointment, stating that they have been relying on dirty water from swamps and ponds, which they share with animals.
She further noted that there are no functional taps or boreholes in the area, as all the existing ones have been damaged and are in urgent need of repair. She called upon the responsible authorities to intervene quickly.
Similarly, Godfrey Mashaija, another resident, lamented that they have been forced to share water sources with animals due to dried-up springs. He emphasized that the only available water sources are ponds, making water access one of the biggest challenges in Shumba Cell.
Speaking on the matter, the Chairperson of the Women’s Council in Rukungiri District, Jolly Mashaija, who is also a resident of Shumba Cell, highlighted the suffering caused by the lack of clean water. She mentioned that she has attempted to lobby support from Umbrella, a government organization, but has only received empty promises.
She further noted that the water crisis has led to an increase in waterborne diseases such as typhoid and malaria, putting residents’ health at risk.
However, Rukungiri District Water Officer Deus Twekwase confirmed that clean water is available in Bwanga. He advised the residents to formally write to Umbrella in Nyarushanje for assistance. He also assured them that the district would take the initiative to repair the damaged boreholes to restore access to clean water.
