By URN
Residents of Nyangahya division in Masindi Municipality, have expressed concerns about the lack of safe water in the area.
The residents say, currently they are relying on unsafe water from unprotected water sources.
They say though most areas within the Masindi Municipality have piped water systems, the situation is not the same in Nyangahya division.
Juliet Ampaire, a resident of Rwijeere cell says, she has never seen any plans to establish and provide them with piped water reporting that, sometimes their water sources especially the wells dry up during the dry season and this causes acute water shortage in the area.
Collins Ochaya, a resident of Kalyango cell states, that with no alternative sources of clean water, some residents have resorted to sharing water points with animals, worsening health and sanitation concerns in the affected areas.
Christine Kyosimire, a resident of Kikwanana cell explains, that many water sources, particularly shallow wells and spring wells, have dried up, while others have been contaminated by livestock adding that the few available boreholes have also broken down and require urgent repairs.
Benard Byamukama, a resident of Butobe cell notes that they trek long distances of about 4km to access safe drinking water as if they are not within the Municipality adding that, most people have developed stomach complications after drinking contaminated water. She says, a 20 litre jerrycane of water costs shillings 2,000 in the area.
James Magezi, the Chairperson LCI Rwijeere Cell in Nyangahya division notes that the area has never had a piped water system noting that, residents trek long distances to access clean drinking water.
According to Magezi, even some schools both government-Aided and privately owned in the area lack access to safe drinking water. He says, due to the consumption of water from unsafe sources, residents are compelled to contract waterborne diseases.
An official from the water department at the Masindi Municipal Council who spoke to Uganda Radio Network (URN) on condition of anonymity explains that the current policy does not allow the excavation of boreholes within the municipality stating that only piped water is permitted, which is beyond their control.
He says, currently the municipality is financially constrained and is not able to drill or construct more water sources.
Judith Byarugaba, the LCIII Chairperson for Nyangahya division explains that, though the division has plans to drill more water sources especially boreholes, they are financially constrained.
