Thirsty no more: Sh3.9b piped water project brings relief to Pader residents

PADER - The Government has commissioned a critical infrastructure amid persistent water shortages in Pader district. 

Through the Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation, a shilling 3.9 billion Lacekocot Rural Growth Centre Piped Water Supply System has been launched.

The system is expected to directly benefit 16,350 residents across Atanga town council, Ajan, Atanga, and Angagura sub-counties in Pader district.

Constructed by Lexis Corporation Uganda Ltd and handed over to the water ministry, the system currently serves 10,691 people through 409 household connections, 400-yard taps, and institutional facilities. 

Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation branch manager Catherine Angwec says the project supplies Kal, Labongoguru, Abora, Gojani, Lawiyeadul, Pucota, Pungole, Pakeyo, and Paibwo areas, stating: 

“Access to clean and safe water will greatly improve health service delivery for disadvantaged communities.” The initiative also includes new sanitation infrastructure, such as a 16-stall toilet block at Lawiyeadul Primary School and a 10-stall public facility in Atanga town council.

Community leaders hailed the transformative impact. Filder Acora Obel, Atanga Town Council’s health secretary, noted residents previously shared unsafe boreholes built during displacement camps: “Some sources are unsafe, and we’ve been recording cases of diarrhoea, bilharzia, and other stomach illnesses. With clean water now available, service delivery and public health will improve.” 

She added: “No new diarrhoea cases have been reported since the project started supplying water,” while urging expansion to other areas. 

Otuduwiye cell LC1 chairperson Patrick Mwaka emphasised the urgency for 107 households still relying on a single insurgency-era borehole.

“My community needs this piped water. Those outside the project areas also deserve to be connected so that they don’t depend on contaminated sources.”

Despite progress, gaps persist. District Water Officer Patrick Olanya revealed Pader’s safe water coverage stands at 95 per cent, yet “over 100 villages still lack clean water, especially in rural areas. 

"Many people trek two to three kilometres for safe water. We must extend piped systems deeper into villages.” 

He also highlighted a 31 percent open defecation rate requiring continued sanitation education.

Leaders commended the project’s timing and sustainability, including water ministry assistant commissioner for urban water Eng. Dr. Richard Matua saying: “With this piped water system, the government is committed to expanding services to more communities. Proper safeguarding and management are critical.” 

Pader deputy chief administrative officer Susan Adong called it “timely” and urged beneficiaries to “embrace it and connect their households to improve health outcomes.” 

District chairperson Col. (rtd) Fearless Obwoya Oyat acknowledged the milestone but reminded residents.

“Those already connected should install tanks to avoid shortages. Pader still needs more investment in water, but this project is a major step forward,” urging community support for sustainable prosperity.