MBARARA – A Ugx2.2b water project in Kanara sub-county, Kitagwenda district has been left to waste following the failure by residents to contribute money to fuel the generator to power the water pump.
The piped water project that was commissioned in October has since failed to serve its purpose due to a lack of enough fuel in the generator. The project was funded by the Ministry of Water and Environment and intended to supply water to 19,000 residents in 24 villages in Kanara sub County.
Amon Kankimusimire, the chairperson Kanara Water Board Committee revealed that they needed 80 litres of diesel and 10 litres of oil to pump water. He said that after the completion of the water plant, residents established committees through, which they would contribute money to fuel the generator.
He said that they were required to pay Ugx200 as water user fees to access a jerry can of water, which he noted some residents couldn’t afford.
The Kanara sub County LCIII chairperson, Francis Hategyeka advised that the district should establish a solar power system to enable people to access water.
The Kitagwenda District Water Officer, Peter Seremba noted that the residents needed be patient as the district sought for funds to install solar in the next financial year.
Ruth Iruhuura, a resident of Kamuganguzi village said that people were trekking long distances in search of water. She added that they were worried that they could suffer from diseases resulting from consuming dirty water.
