ZOMBO, December 27, 2024 — The Ministry of Water and Environment recently commissioned a Shs 5.3 billion water project in Zombo Town Council, Zombo district.
The project, launched in March 2023 under the Water and Sanitation Development Facility-North, was implemented with funding from the Government of Uganda and the German government through KFW Bank.
The project involves drawing underground water from two boreholes, sending it to Aliza Hills reservoir tanks, using solar panels and electricity.
As part of the same project, 10 toilet stalls have been constructed at Zombo Main Market, 10 at Zombo Lower Primary School, a community toilet for the local population, as well as an office block for the National Water and Sewerage Corporation at Zombo Town Council.
Eng. Catherine Agwai Angwec, Manager of the Water and Sanitation Department, Facility-North, confirmed that the system has been tested and is working well, with initial connections made to 660 households.
Eng. Angwec further stated that King Albert Construction Company must ensure that any defects are repaired within the stipulated six-month period.
James Uruna Uyullu, the LC V Chairman of Zombo District, commended the community for offering land at a subsidised price to the government, which contributed to the successful implementation of the project.
Lawrence Songa Biyika, Member of Parliament for Ora County in Zombo district, who also serves as Chair of the Climate Change Committee and a member of the Budget Committee, announced that the Government of Uganda, in partnership with the German government through KFW, will soon commence the construction of another major water project in Zeu and Alangi Trading Centres in Zombo District.
“The funds for the project have been secured. Once works in Zeu and Alangi are complete, the government will embark on a water project in Padea Town Council and Warr Town Council,” Biyika explained.
The LC I Chairman of Riku Cell, Paley West Ward, Zombo Town Council, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, reported that several households in Abira West, Abira East, and Paley West Wards had applied for water connections and urged the water department to expedite the process.
Richard Matua, Commissioner for Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services, said plans are underway to extend the water connection to the UPDF 55th Battalion barracks in Ajere.
“We will harmonise the budget with the Ministry of Defence to complete the water connection to Ajere Barracks,” Matua said.
Walter Okello, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Water and Environment, who delivered a message on behalf of Dr. Alfred Okidi, the Permanent Secretary, urged the community to protect the water infrastructure.
Festus Ayikubua, Resident District Commissioner of Zombo District, noted that villages along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo face significant challenges in accessing clean water.
“I urge the government to extend this project, and I ask the communities to take responsibility for protecting the water pipelines,” Ayikubua said.
State Minister for Water and Environment, Aisha Sekindi, praised the community for its cooperation with the government in implementing the project and handed over a Yamaha motorcycle to the Zombo District Water Department.
Sekindi informed the gathering that, in the last four financial years, Zombo District received Shs 3.4bln in conditional funds for the establishment of new boreholes and the maintenance of existing ones in remote areas.
“We have also provided conditional funds for borehole establishment and maintenance. I therefore urge districts to provide accountability for the money,” Sekindi said.
She also revealed that she had commissioned similar water projects in Obongi and Amuru districts.
Water coverage in Zombo District stands at 87 percent, with a functionality rate of 79 percent, according to Water Engineer Morish Enzede.
https://thecooperator.news/rotary-commissions-shs-140-6-water-project-in-mbale/
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