Africa-Press – Uganda. Residents of Kicwamba Ward in Kitagwenda Town Council have raised alarm over the dire state of water access in their community, citing growing fears of waterborne diseases due to the unsafe water they are forced to use.
Led by their LC1 Chairperson, Benard Kapere, the residents took matters into their own hands through a Burungi Bwansi (community service) activity aimed at reopening a previously constructed shallow well that had since dried up.
“The water we currently use is yellowish and contains worms. It’s not safe at all, and we fear getting sick from diseases like typhoid,” said Kapere. “We appeal to the government to act urgently and save us. “He added.
Kitagwenda Town Council Speaker, Jonan Ahairwe, acknowledged the crisis and faulted the government’s policy of phasing out shallow wells as a source of water, particularly in rural areas, and promoting deep boreholes and piped water systems which he said has not been done.
“The government phased out shallow wells but did not provide an alternative water source,” Ahairwe explained. “That has left our people with no reliable access to safe water.”
In a show of solidarity, area Member of Parliament, Hon. Dorothy Nyakato Nzibonera, joined residents in the community clean-up exercise. She assured them that their voices had been heard and efforts were underway to address the crisis.
“I understand your frustration, and I am with you in this struggle,” Hon. Nyakato said. “The government is planning to extend piped water to Kitagwenda Town Council, and Kicwamba Ward is part of that plan. She stated.
Kitagwenda Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Joanitah Nakityo, also confirmed the progress in addressing the issue.
“We have already secured a water source and signed a contract with a service provider to extend piped water to this community,” Nakityo told in an interview. “We ask residents to be patient as the project kicks off soon. In the meantime, please boil your water before use to avoid disease. “She noted.
As residents await the long-term solution, their call for clean, safe water remains a pressing issue, one they hope will finally be addressed after years of neglect.
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