Roslyn Chemutai, Bukwo District – Residents of Bukwo District in Sebei Sub-Region continue to face severe water shortages, despite the Government of Uganda spending billions of shillings through the Ministry of Water to establish a water supply system.
In the financial year 2018-2019 to 2020, the Ministry of Water funded the construction of a multi-billion water facility intended to serve the entire district. However, the system has failed to deliver water as planned.
The project, funded by the Ministry of Water and constructed by China State Construction, was supposed to provide water to nine sub-counties across the district, including Koritek, Bukwo Town Council, Kabei, Brim, Riwo Sub-County, Riwo Town Council, Lwongon, Kamet, and Tulele. Unfortunately, the system currently serves only three sub-counties: Koritek, Bukwo Town Council, and Kabei.
A recent visit by this publication discovered that, although the system is in place, it only supplies water to a few families intermittently. Often, water disappears for one to two weeks before being available again.
Local residents have repeatedly called on the Water Umbrella Organization, an arm of the Ministry of Water and Environment responsible for managing water in Bukwo, to improve the water supply and extend access to other areas. However, these appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
In light of these issues, the community is now calling on the President to direct a special investigation into the water project in Bukwo.
“Why should we continue to suffer as if we are not Ugandans entitled to full services in this country?” asked Moses Chelimo.
Chelimo expressed frustration that the Sabiny people are struggling with a lack of access to clean water, despite having a native son, Mr. Sam Cheptoris, serving as Minister for Water and Environment.
“I think we are cursed. Even our own son, the Minister for Water and Environment, Mr. Cheptoris, seems unconcerned about ensuring his people have access to clean water,” Chelimo said.
Chelimo claimed they have gathered substantial evidence of financial mismanagement by Ministry of Water officials, leading to subpar work on the water projects in Bukwo.
Elizabeth Chebet, another resident, said that the frequent water shortages put their lives at risk of disease.
Paul Chemos, an anti-corruption monitor in Riwo Sub-County, stated that the water system would have served the entire district if the Ministry of Water and Environment officials had not mismanaged the funds.
“The people of Bukwo are suffering due to the mismanagement of funds that were meant to build a better system,” Chemos said.
Chemos also criticized the construction of valley dams in Bukwo under the Ministry of Water, calling for a thorough investigation into the water system in the district and emphasizing that the people of Bukwo deserve better.
