Kiryandongo accelerates towards universal safe water access

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Kiryandongo district is making a leap towards achieving universal access to safe water, launching a massive shillings 477 million initiative to drill deep boreholes and construct production wells across the district.

This ambitious push aims to bring safe, clean drinking water to every resident, drastically improving public health and living conditions.

The newly commissioned facilities, include production wells in Kirwala, Isunga, and Diima, alongside deep boreholes in Palee, Lamogi, Kawiti East, Kisaranda, Kitaleba, Kiruli-Kibura, Wakisanyi-Kabungo, Nyamalebe, Kamusenene, and Bedmot A villages.

The district also celebrates the completion of safe water infrastructure projects from the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Kiryandongo district leaders and other stakeholders launching the construction of different water facilities in the district. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

District chairperson Edith Aliguma Adyeri, speaking at the launch in Nyakatiiti II village as 2025 ended last week, urged communities to become stewards of these vital resources.

"The Government has invested heavily in providing safe water. Communities must protect and properly utilize these facilities to improve their health and living conditions," Aliguma said.

She emphasised that increased access to safe water is a crucial defence against waterborne diseases, which have long plagued many communities.

Residents expressed immense relief and gratitude with Nyakatiiti II LC1 chairperson Salim Jacan acknowledging government efforts to improve access to safe water.

He, however, appealed for the extension of piped water under the Ministry of Water and Environment's Integrated Water Management and Development Project in Mboira sub-county, noting that coverage in his area remains low.

Venencio Zunga also from Nyakatiti I village recounted the severe hardships previously faced, with communities sharing contaminated water sources with animals, leading to rampant cases of diarrhoea.

He believes the new water sources will significantly reduce medical expenses and free women and children from arduous, time-consuming journeys to fetch water.

Piracel Scovia, a resident of Nyakatiiti village, said she was excited about a second borehole in her area, since they used to line up until 9:00pm and wake up as early as 4:00am to fetch water.

"This new borehole has saved us from the stress and time wasted looking for water," she said, reflecting the sentiments of many.

Mboira sub-county chairperson Jean Watumbe lauded the district's broader efforts in community development, citing recent advancements in education, including new classrooms at Mboira Seed Secondary School and ongoing construction at Mboira Primary School.

Current district statistics show an average safe water coverage of 77 per cent, with Nyamahasa sub-county leading at 95 per cent coverage.

Mboira stands at 78 per cent, slightly above the district average. District leaders are confident that these ongoing projects will significantly boost coverage, bringing Kiryandongo closer to its goal of universal access to safe water for all its citizens.