22 new water points for Amuru district

It was all excitement as residents of Amuru district Northern Uganda, witnessed the handover of new water points to the communities.

The 22 water points which comprise of eight deep wells, six shallow wells and eight protected spring wells  are to benefit over 10,935 people in the two sub counties of Amuru and Lamogi.

The water project is under the US$116,215 (sh407m) Japan funded ‘'project for the improvement of access to water in Amuru district'', and it was implemented by World Vision Uganda.

During the commissioning of the boreholes, The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, Kazuaki Kameda commended the implementing partners for successfully completing the project in time, urged the communities to protect the water points.

He stressed that through this partnership, more than 9,000 people in 22 villages will be able to access safe water easily, which is also expected to reduce the incidents of water borne and diarrhea diseases in the district.

The ambassador also highlighted that in Northern Uganda alone, 63 projects worth US$5,284,729 (sh18.5 Billion) have been implemented by the government of Japan since 1992 in the sectors of education, health, agriculture, water and sanitation.

‘'Our commitments in Uganda through the grant assistance for grassroots human security project have successfully improved millions of people's lives through the construction of bore halls," he stressed.

Gilbert Kamanga the World Vision Uganda Country Director tasked the communities to take good care of the water points and make sure they remain functional.

‘'Let's ensure that we use this property effectively. All the water management committees that have been empowered to monitor the usage and functionality of these water points should make sure the facilities remain functional. I also want to appeal to men seated here; the role of collecting water is not only for women. Please support them at all times.'' Kamanga noted.

The Amuru district chairperson Michael Lakony appealed to communities in Amuru and Lamogi sub counties to own up the water facilities.

‘'These water sources are now yours, not for Japan or World Vision. You must make sure that they effectively benefit our communities by keeping them clean and making sure they are repaired whenever they break down.'' Lakony stressed.

Christine Amongin who was all smiling could not hide the relief of walking long distances in search for water. She noted that she would walk four kilometers to get water which is now a relief to her.

I can now send my children to the borehole something I could not risk earlier; it is only God to bless the funders.

Ephraim Opio also a resident said in most parts of Amuru, several people had to travel long distances to collect water in most cases from dirty water sources due to the several purposes they serve like feeding animals, washing, cooking and many more uses. However with new boreholes conditions are to improve drastically.