A 2.2 Billion Shillings water project in Kanara sub-county, Kitagwenda District has been left to waste following the failure by residents to contribute money to fuel the generator to power the water pump.
The piped water project that was commissioned in October has since failed to serve its purpose due to a lack of enough fuel in the generator. The project was funded by the Ministry of Water and Environment and intended to supply water to 19,000 residents in 24 villages in Kanara Sub County.
Amon Kankimusimire, the Chairperson Kanara Water Board Committee says that they need 80 liters of diesel and 10 liters of oil to pump water. He says that after the completion of the water plant, residents established committees through, which they would contribute money to fuel the generator.
He says that they were required to pay 200 Shillings as water user fees to access a jerry can of water, which he says some residents can’t afford.
The Kanara Sub County LCIII Chairperson Francis Hategyeka says that the district should establish a solar power system to enable people to access water.
The Kitagwenda District Water Officer Peter Seremba says that the residents should be patient as the district seeks funds to install solar in the next financial year.
Ruth Iruhuura, a resident of Kamuganguzi village says that they are now forced to trek long distances in search of water. She adds that they are worried that they could suffer from diseases resulting from consuming dirty water.
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