Over 5,000 Residents Get Access to Safe, Clean Water in Kitagwenda

The project serves residents from Kalere, Mpanga, Rwengwe, Kapapali, Karubuguma I, Karubuguma II, Nyakacwamba I, and Nyakacwamba II, in Nyakacwamba Parish, Ntara Ntara Sub-County.

Kitagwenda District has taken a significant step towards improving the well-being of its residents with the inauguration of a Shs448 million piped water project, which now provides over 5,000 residents in eight villages of Nyakacwamba parish with access to clean, safe water.

The project, funded by Serengeti Energy and Join For Water (JFW), and implemented by Joint Efforts to Save the Environment (JESE) in collaboration with the district, addresses long-standing water shortages and promotes community health.

The project serves residents from Kalere, Mpanga, Rwengwe, Kapapali, Karubuguma I, Karubuguma II, Nyakacwamba I, and Nyakacwamba II, in Nyakacwamba Parish, Ntara Ntara Sub-County.

At a celebratory event on Wednesday, Karen Law, Chief Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Officer at Serengeti Energy, emphasized the project’s positive impact, particularly on women and girls.

“This project is crucial for the safety of women and girls, who used to walk long distances to fetch water,” she said, urging local authorities to prioritize its maintenance.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Kitagwenda District has appointed a ten-member water user board tasked with overseeing the system’s upkeep for an initial six months.

Peter Seremba, the District Water Officer, noted that the community would contribute UGX 100 per 20-liter jerrican to fund necessary repairs.

The district also plans to extend three-phase hydroelectric power to support the pump, which currently runs on solar energy.

Joanitah Nakityo, the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stressed the importance of financial responsibility for maintaining the system, advising that the funds collected be saved and used exclusively for repairs.

Ismail Mushemeza, the District Chairperson, echoed this call, urging residents to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.

Nicholus Nuwagira, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), highlighted the project’s role in environmental conservation, encouraging residents to safeguard local water sources and nearby swamps, which help mitigate climate change effects.

Beneficiaries of the project shared their gratitude.

“We have struggled to access clean water, but now it’s close by,” said one resident. Another expressed relief from medical expenses incurred from treating waterborne diseases, which were common when using contaminated water.

“I’ve spent a lot on my family’s health, but with this clean water, I will get relief,” he said.

The water project contributes to Kitagwenda District’s ongoing efforts to improve water access, which now stands at 63%, up from 50%, contributing to the Ministry of Water and Environment’s national goal of 83% clean water access.

This initiative is a key part of Kitagwenda’s broader commitment to sustainable development, with positive impacts on health, economic growth, and resilience against environmental challenges.