Moroto district residents are expressing frustration over the slow progress of the Shillings 5 billion water system construction. The delay has prompted discussions of potential demonstrations at the office of the president and the chief administrative officer in Moroto.
On November 3rd, 2022, the Ministry of Water and Environment initiated construction at Kakingole village, Katikekile sub-county, Moroto district. C & Gandijes Construction Limited took charge of the project with a groundbreaking ceremony.
Despite the project’s anticipated completion by the end of 2024, the construction progress remains below 40%. Eng Johnosn Opige, representing the Ministry of Water and Environment, assured the public of satisfactory advancement. However, local residents no longer find these statements convincing.
Contract award details reveal that the company, lacking funds at the time of selection, contributed to significant delays. Peter Lomogin, a resident, expressed skepticism, citing previous failed groundbreaking ceremonies for the same project. Residents are discontented, viewing such initiatives as empty promises from the government.
John Lokoru, echoing dissatisfaction, contemplates protesting as the only option to voice their concerns over unfulfilled government projects. Mary Nasike emphasized the daily struggle of sharing dirty water with animals from the river spring, lamenting the lack of government services.
Eng Gabriel Adii, the general manager of C&G Andijes Construction Limited, attributed the delayed commencement to a flawed design. Kakingol, in Katikekile sub-county, with a population of about 400,000, faces challenges as residents share water with animals from a seasonal river spring.
Health workers at Kakingol Health Centre III resort to using sand for cleaning the delivery wards due to the facility’s water shortage. Expectant mothers and patients, forced to fetch water from a distant spring, endure inconvenience before receiving health services.
