KIKUUBE, February 2025 – Residents affected by the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline [EACOP] project in 10 districts are rejoicing after being provided with clean and safe water.
The 15 boreholes constructed and rehabilitated by EACOP Limited will benefit 3,600 residents [600 households] across the districts of Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Sembabule, Kyotera, Lwengo, Rakai, and Gomba. Some districts received two boreholes, while others received one.
This was revealed during the commissioning of the boreholes on Friday at Mukabara village in Kizirafumbi Sub-county, Kikuube district. Kikuube district itself received two boreholes: one at Mukabara village and another at Rwamisanga village, also in Kizirafumbi Sub-county.
At the commissioning in Mukabara village, residents expressed their gratitude, stating that the new boreholes would help prevent waterborne diseases due to the provision of clean water.
Kiiza Erineriko, one of the landowners where the borehole was constructed in Mukabara village, commended EACOP for the water project, remarking that they had never imagined having clean and safe water in the area.
“We had been sharing water with wild animals from unprotected sources, exposing ourselves to waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery,” he explained.
James Murungi, another project-affected person, added, “We’ve been suffering from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, malaria, and cholera due to contaminated water. This is now a thing of the past.”
John Bosco Habumugisha, the Deputy Managing Director of EACOP Limited, stated that the construction of the boreholes was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
“This initiative aligns with the National Development Plan III (NDPIII) 2020-2025, which prioritises human capital development by improving health, safety, and access to water. The government aims to increase safe water supply coverage from 70 percent to 85 percent in rural areas and from 74 percent to 100 percent in urban areas,” he said.
“Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in Uganda. Although improvements have been made, a large portion of the population, especially in rural areas, still lacks access to safe water and sanitation. By providing this vital resource, EACOP Limited has taken a commendable step towards empowering host communities and enabling them to lead healthier, more productive lives,” he added.
Habumugisha further noted that the initiative contributes to improving water coverage and supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), specifically SDG 6.1, which aims for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
Hillary Agondeze, the Kikuube Water Officer, remarked that the construction of the two boreholes in Kikuube would support the district’s efforts in providing safe, clean, and protected water sources for the people.
He noted that Kikuube district currently has 72 percent water coverage, which he acknowledged is still inadequate for the entire population. However, he expressed concern that residents have not yet taken sufficient responsibility for maintaining and protecting these water sources.
“I challenge residents to establish water source committees to manage and mobilise resources for the repair of the water sources in case they break down,” Agondeze advised.
Tibias Ahibisibwe, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Kikuube, also expressed his excitement about the construction of the boreholes, noting that oil and gas development had significantly changed the face of the Bunyoro Subregion.
https://thecooperator.news/obongi-district-access-to-safe-and-clean-water-still-low/
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