Safe water reaches residents along EACOP route

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The 3,600 residents (600 households) from water-stressed areas along the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) route are overjoyed following the provision of safe and clean water.

A total of 15 boreholes (water sources) were constructed by EACOP across ten districts: Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Mubende, Sembabule, Kyotera, Lwengo, Rakai, and Gomba.

The disclosure was made during the commissioning of the boreholes, which took place on Friday at Mukabara village in Kizirafumbi sub-county, Kikuube district. Some districts received two boreholes while others one.

Kikuube district, for example, received two boreholes—one at Mukabara village and another at Rwamisanga village, also in Kizirafumbi sub-county.

At the commissioning ceremony, John Bosco Habumugisha, deputy managing director of the EACOP, stated that the construction of these 15 boreholes was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

Hillary Agondeze, Kikuube water officer (left), center is water sources committee chairman John Ahaisibwe and his members receiving a tool box kit from EACOP deputy managing director EACOP John Bosco Habumugisha. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

“This effort aligns with the National Development Plan III (NDPIII) 2020-2025, which prioritises human capital development by improving health, safety, and water access. The government targets increasing safe water supply coverage from 70% to 85% in rural areas and from 74% to 100% in urban areas,” he said.

Habumugisha explained that 10 boreholes were replacements for affected water sources, while five were built as part of the company’s social responsibility initiative. He emphasised that the construction of the water sources demonstrates their commitment to providing clean, safe water and promoting good health for the residents along the project route.

“Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in Uganda. While there have been improvements, a substantial portion of the population, especially in rural areas, still lack access to clean water and sanitation. By providing this vital resource, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline has taken a commendable step toward empowering host communities and enabling them to lead healthier and more productive lives,” he added.

He noted that the initiative contributes to improving water coverage in project-affected communities and supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), specifically SDG 6.1, which seeks universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.

Habumugisha also urged the people of Bunyoro to take ownership of the oil and gas development activities, saying that these projects continue to bring positive developments to the region.

As part of EACOP's efforts, houses have been constructed, youth have been trained and equipped with vocational skills, and new water sources have been established. There are also plans to begin greening schools in the area.

Residents react

Kiiza Erineriko, a resident who offered land for the construction of the borehole in Mukabara village, expressed his excitement, stating that they never imagined having clean and safe water in the area.

He explained that they had previously shared water with wild animals from unprotected sources, which exposed them to waterborne diseases.

“When they told us they wanted to construct a water source in our village but had no land, I willingly offered it because this was a big opportunity that I didn’t want to miss,” he said.

John Ahaisimwe, one of the project-affected persons, noted that the construction of the borehole was a major relief, as it replaced two water bond wells where they had previously fetched water while sharing it with wild animals.

“We’ve been suffering from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, malaria, and cholera due to contaminated water, but this is now history,” he said.

Leaders’ Comments

Hillary Agondeze, Kikuube’s water officer, said that the construction of the two boreholes would help the district’s efforts to provide safe, clean, and protected water sources to the people.

He noted that Kikuube district has a 72% water coverage, which is insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

He expressed concern that residents have not taken full responsibility for protecting and maintaining these water sources.

He added, “This borehole can provide 185 jerrycans and 300 litres of water per hour, so I challenge residents to establish water source committees to manage and mobilise resources for repairs if the boreholes break down.”

Tibias Ahimbisibwe, assistant resident district commissioner of Kikuube, also expressed excitement about the new water sources, noting that oil and gas development has significantly transformed Bunyoro.

He observed that the development has led to the construction of several roads and an international airport, as well as the training and equipping of youth with skills. He urged the people of Bunyoro to take full advantage of these developments for their socio-economic transformation.

The EACOP projects are being implemented by the Governments of Uganda and Tanzania (represented by Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), respectively), Total Energies, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), under the company East African Crude Oil Pipeline Limited (EACOP LTD).

In Uganda, the pipeline is 296 km long and will traverse 10 districts and 25 sub-counties. In Tanzania, the pipeline stretches 1,147 km and passes through eight regions and 25 districts. The construction of the proposed crude oil pipeline will cost approximately sh12 trillion, and it will transport 400,000 barrels of oil per day.

Under the project, Uganda and Tanzania will each invest 15%, while oil companies will invest the remaining 70%. The project duration is three years.