AMOS K
Increased water scarcity has left residents of Kagugu Parish in Rubaare Sub-county, Ntungamo, unstable and at risk of contracting various waterborne diseases that may claim their lives.
One of the residents of Kagugu, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that accessing clean water in their area is very tiresome as it requires walking long distances. She added that the hilly terrain in most parts of the parish worsens the situation.
Additionally, she revealed that this has not been a recent issue; they have been raising their concerns with their leaders for a long time. Despite their repeated pleas, no concrete action has been taken to address the water scarcity. She expressed disappointment, saying they have lost hope and trust in their leaders, who promised to prioritize water, electricity, and other essential services during their election campaigns but have failed to deliver on their commitments.
According to Cyril Bananuka, the LC1 Chairperson of Buzooba Cell in Kagugu Parish, only a few of the 12 cells in the parish have access to clean water. He noted that even in the areas with clean water, residents depend on springs and shallow wells, which are located at significant distances.
Bananuka further revealed that Kagugu Parish has never had access to piped water. Residents are forced to rely on springs and shallow wells as their primary sources of clean drinking water. He emphasized that this situation exposes residents to the risk of contracting waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera, which could result in loss of life or lead to unexpected medical expenses.
While speaking to Poly Gumisiriza, the LC2 Chairperson of Kagugu Parish, he confirmed that water scarcity is not the only challenge facing the area. The lack of electricity has also hindered development in the parish.
Gumisiriza remarked that only those who are proactive and hardworking manage to fetch clean water, as it requires walking long distances. Those who are less proactive struggle to access clean water and must invest time and resources to find solutions. He appealed to the relevant authorities to address this issue urgently to alleviate the suffering of the residents.
