Rotary commissions Shs 140.6mln water project in Mbale
The project's sponsors include four sister Rotary clubs, including Rotary Club in Belgium, Rotary Club of Kampala, Rotary International, and is being implemented by Rotary Mbale Metropolitan
The construction has been contracted to Ozarks Engineering Limited and is expected to be completed within six months.
Speaking during the commissioning days ago, Julius Walimbwa, President of Rotary Mbale Metropolitan, said the water project would benefit the local community, including Lumbuku Primary School and a nearby health centre.
“This project will provide clean water to the community. I thank the residents for welcoming the project and pledging full support. We want the community to own it by providing construction materials like sand and bricks,” Walimbwa said.
He urged community members to cooperate with water engineers and report any signs of shoddy work, saying there must be value for money.
Kiige Geoffrey, a Rotarian from Rotary Mbale Metropolitan, urged the contractor to prioritise the use of local materials and labour to support the local economy.
Michael Wanda, a resident of Lumbuku who initiated the Bulusambu Water Project, said his dream is to have at least a water tap at every two kilometres within the community. “I installed this system to provide clean water in the area because the boreholes couldn’t meet the growing demand,” he said.
Since 2014, I have been lobbying Rotary Club to help us expand the distribution of water pipes. We got support from a Rotary Club in Belgium, but they required a sister club in Uganda near the project to channel the funds,” noted Wanda.
He pledged to support contractors throughout the construction process to ensure the project’s timely completion.
Charles Tumwa, the Chairman of LCI Bunazenga Village, while speaking to Bugisu commended Wanda for initiating the project and welcomed it as a solution to the community’s long-standing water challenges.
“Water is life, and we welcome this project with open arms. People here have been struggling to access clean water. I urge the contractors to consider starting from our village because we are the most affected,” Tumwa said.
Habibu Shuka a resident expressed gratitude to the Rotarians for prioritising local materials and labour, and encouraged community members to resolve any project-related issues peacefully.
“If there Is any issue at the construction site, we should sit as a community and address it because this project will benefit all of us,” Shuka said.
The Bulusambu Water Project is expected to improve access to clean water for thousands of residents, easing the burden of water collection and promoting better health and hygiene in the community.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 8
