More than 5,000 residents, representing 2,662 households in Ntoroko District, have gained access to clean and safe water following the commissioning of the Nyakatoke Gravity Flow Water System worth Shs. 1.2 billion.
The project was officially commissioned by the State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke Businge yesterday in Nombe sub country.
Minister Rusoke urged the community to protect government projects against vandalism, noting that destroying public facilities reflects lack of patriotism. She further emphasized that the sustainability of the water system will depend on residents’ ownership and commitment to its maintenance.
The gravity flow scheme, which stretches over 30 kilometers, serves the sub-counties of Nombe and Karugutu.
Speaking at the event representing the Community , Mr. Karim Kule, the Chairperson of the Water Board, pledged full community ownership of the facility. He also noted that residents are greatly relieved, as they had previously been buying a jerrycan of water at Shs. 1,000 during the dry season, while also sharing stagnant water with animals exposing them to numerous waterborne diseases.
The commissioning was also attended by the Ministry’s technical team, led by Commissioner Koma Stephen who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, the LEGS team headed by Madam Maria Nakitende, representing the Project Coordinator, Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule , Area Member of Parliament, District political and technical leaders as well as the community.
