New borehole brings hope to water-stressed Entebbe village
For many families and small business owners in the lakeside community, a 20-litre jerrycan of water can cost up to sh600, while those unable to afford it are forced to walk about 2.5 kilometres to wells near the lake. Now, a newly constructed borehole is offering the community hope of ending the daily struggle for water.
A resident draws water from a new borehole constructed by the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base as Roger Sembeguya (second from left with shades), the president of the club and Daniel Ddamulira (with a tie Centre), the Rotary District 9214 Governor launch the water source. This was at of Lugonjo Nakiwogo village Entebbe Municipality Wakiso district. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)
Just a few kilometres from the vast waters of Lake Victoria, residents of Lugonjo Nakiwogo village in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, have for years struggled to find a reliable source of clean and affordable water.
For many families and small business owners in the lakeside community, a 20-litre jerrycan of water can cost up to sh600, while those unable to afford it are forced to walk about 2.5 kilometres to wells near the lake. Now, a newly constructed borehole is offering the community hope of ending the daily struggle for water.
According to Paul Zikuliza, the chairperson of Lugonjo village, it has no public water sources, forcing residents to rely on privately owned taps and wells.
Water vendors charge between sh400 and sh600 for a 20-litre jerrycan, a price many residents say cannot afford.
“For those that cannot afford to buy this water, they have to walk 2.5kms to the wells down the lake shores to collect water, which is not safe for use. Even when National Water goes off, the residents have to go to the same area for water,” Zikuliza said.
Children face risks in search for water
The water shortage has also affected schools in the area.
Zikuliza said the village has six schools, whose pupils are sometimes forced to walk long distances to collect water whenever piped water is unavailable.
“Often, when National Water is off, children are seen going to the water streams, which are far from their schools,” he said.
“There are many risks for our children when they move long distances to go and collect water. The borehole will save the children from risks like rape, teenage pregnancies and more,” Zikuliza said.
He said the new water source will also benefit local businesses, particularly restaurants and other enterprises that depend on a reliable supply of water.
“This water will help residents get water on time and at their convenience, which will help businesses grow in the area and improve livelihoods,” he said.
However, Zikuliza urged residents to boil the borehole water before drinking it to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Rotary steps in
To address the water challenge, the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base has constructed a borehole on land donated by a resident, Margaret Najuuko.
Speaking during a visit by Rotary District 9214 Governor Daniel Ddamulira on August 4, Roger Sembeguya, president of the Rotary Club of Entebbe Base, said the project followed a needs assessment conducted in the area.
He said Kitooro is among the club's catchment areas and that local leaders identified access to water as one of the community's biggest challenges.
“We did a needs assessment, and the local leaders introduced us to the problems in the area. Access to water came out loud,” Sembeguya said.
Sembeguya attributed the area's water challenges partly to the low water table, which has made it difficult for residents to access reliable piped water.
He said the project is also intended to improve hygiene and sanitation, noting that many residents and restaurant operators have struggled to obtain enough water.
Sembeguya thanked the family that donated the land and the Rotarians who worked together to ensure the project was completed.
Launching the water source, Ddamulira said Rotary clubs should ensure that their projects respond to genuine community needs.
“I want to thank the club for thinking about the welfare of the people in this community. I want to thank the club for engaging the local leaders and residents in the designing of projects, as this helps implement projects that sort out real challenges,” he said.
Ddamulira described water as an essential resource for human life, saying the provision of the borehole would improve the lives of residents.
He said even if the project benefits only half of the community, it would still represent a significant achievement.
He urged residents to take responsibility for maintaining the borehole so that it can serve the community for years to come.
Ddamulira also thanked Najuuko's family for donating land for the project, describing the gesture as a demonstration of generosity.
He said that if the borehole is properly maintained, Rotary could consider supporting more interventions in the surrounding communities.
For the residents of Lugonjo Nakiwogo, the borehole represents more than a new source of water. It offers hope for safer water, improved livelihoods and a better future for children who have for years had to walk long distances in search of this basic necessity.