Locals block contractors from using swamp

Apr 13, 2017

Sub county authorities will have dialogue with the company to forge a way forward

Residents of Abwokodia Parish, Usuk Sub County in Katakwi district today blocked China Communication Construction Company from accessing Abwokodia swamp.

CCCC who are constructing Soroti to Moroto road via Katakwi and Napak districts have been relying on the swamp as a source of water for construction activities.

Angry residents told New Vision that the swamp is the only source of water for their livestock and allowing the company use it will create a water crisis as the swamp is on the verge of dying up.

Peter Ecunge, the LC1 chairperson of Abwokodia where the swamp is located blamed the Chinese company for fetching the water from the swamp without inquiring from local leaders.

"We have been unaware of their intention and we cannot allow people to fool us" Ecunge said.

Raymond Odeke, the LCIII chairperson condemned the Chinese company adding that the sub county authorities will have dialogue with the company to forge a way forward.

"The swamp belongs to the community and any acquisition of the water without permission is unlawful" Odeke said.

However, Daniel Opio the Usuk Sub County chief blamed residents for keeping quiet about the problem without informing his office.

He urged residents to write a formal letter to the sub county authorities to address the issue.

The swamp in question is at the border of Amuria and Katakwi districts and it is the only water source that livestock farmers in the bordering district use for their livestock.

Attempts to get a comment from the Chinese company remained futile as the known contact of the manager was unavailable.

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