Public warned against using spring water

By Violet Nabatanzi

THE directorate of water development has warned people in urban settings against using spring water because it is contaminated.

Speaking during the 5th National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) civil society organizations’s forum at Hotel Africana, the director of the directorate of water development at the ministry of Water and Environment Eng. Aaron Kabirizi attributed the problem to the increased population in urban centers.

"As the population increases many of our water sources get contaminated, for example we cannot advise people in urban setting, to use spring water because it is all contaminated. Originally when we drilled boreholes, water was safe but now when you go to urban centers, many of the water sources are contaminated," Kabirizi said.

He however advised the public to use piped water because it is safe.

He said the target of the Ministry is to increase water supply coverage in both urban and rural areas to facilitate universal access to safe water and improved standards of sanitation and hygiene for all.

He revealed that currently 88% of the 50,000 boreholes in the country are functional. 

"Previously only 20% of the boreholes in the country were functional before strategies were put in place by government.

Right now we have community based maintenance system and we also sensitize the public how to look after their boreholes. Every year we count the number of water sources which are not functional," he said.

The theme for this year is "Uganda Beyond 2015: Leaving No One Behind; Make Water and Sanitation Rights a Reality"

Kabirizi commended CSOs for their contribution towards the water and sanitation sector. 

"Last financial year, CSOs' investment to the sector increased to sh49.3 billion from sh37.8bn. This money was invested in supporting water and sanitation infrastructure development, develop and maintain water, sanitation and hygiene facilities," he explained.

The executive director Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO network (UWASNET) Doreen Kabasindi said CSOs have managed to repair 438 boreholes for domestic and institutions, 41 piped water schemes and 251 shallow wells.

She called for a need for NGOs to adhere to the standards designed by the ministry of water and environment and work more closely with district local governments.