Kamwenge residents benefit from Shs 4.7bln clean water project

KAMWENGE– The Ministry of Water and Environment in partnership with Water for People, [a non-governmental organisation ] has extended safe and clean water to 10 villages in Kamwenge district.

10 villages which include Byakahunga, Kabingo, Kitonzi, and Bihanga among others can now access safe and clean water after benefiting from a Shs 4.7 billion water project.

While commissioning the water project at Byakahungu in Kamwenge district recently, the State Minister for Water, Aisha Sekindi said the ministry is aiming at ensuring they establish clean and safe water sources for every village in Uganda by 2040.

She added that due to Covid-19 pandemic, the extension of clean water in the country dropped from 68 percent to 67 percent. she said her ministry was working hard to reach more communities.

She commended Water for People for their contribution towards the establishment the water project in Kamwenge.

She added: “There is need for development partners to complement government’s effort in responding to the growing demand for safe water supply.”

The minister said Uganda’s population is increasing at a rate higher than the rate of investment in safe water supply.

she said that without investing in sanitation, it would be hard for Ugandans to attain a transformed society within 30 years.

“I call upon development partners like Water for People and the district leaders to invest in the rehabilitation of water sources because it is still a challenge in rural communities,” Sekindi said.

She appealed to National Water and Sewerage Corporation, district leaders, and development partners to ensure the water sources are protected.

Joseph Karungi, the Kamwenge district chairperson said the district has been facing a challenge of water-borne diseases because people drink water from swamps and streams.

He said between 25 and 30 percent of patients that visit hospitals present illnesses related to poor sanitation and drinking unsafe water.

“Access to clean water is going to reduce the burden of water bone diseases and people will no longer walk long distances to access clean and safe water,” he said.

He called upon the public to use the water sources provided to improve sanitation and hygiene in their homes.

According to Eng. Stanley Cekiyote, Water for People engineer, over 418 yard taps, 43 kilometre network of distribution lines, 36 public stand posts, and 10 public water kiosks have been provided to the 10 villages.

https://thecooperator.news/kabarole-district-to-spend-over-shs-800mln-on-clean-water/

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