Ntungamo Residents Scramble for Water as Dry Spell Worsens Crisis

Communities across Ntungamo District are grappling with an acute water shortage, intensified by a persistent dry spell that has depleted many natural water sources. Even the existing piped water systems have proven unreliable, leaving residents with little choice but to dedicate significant hours to finding water.

In areas like Kajara and Rushenyi, some households are resorting to shallow, unprotected wells, which are also used by livestock. This situation is raising serious health concerns due to the compromised water quality.

The scarcity has led many residents to travel considerable distances to springs and wells. At Kiziko Spring in Nyabubare, a common sight is long queues of people with jerrycans, some waiting until late into the night. Even commercial vehicles are seen collecting water, highlighting its scarcity.

“Taps are dry these days. We don’t have any water. People are dry. I am heading to the well because during the dry season we face that challenge,” stated Naboth Natamba, a Youth Councillor for Western Division.

For those unable to wait, purchasing water has become a necessary alternative. Water vendors at Kiziko Spring report a surge in demand, selling over a hundred jerrycans daily. Prices range from Shs500 to Shs1,000 per jerrycan, with motorcycle-based deliveries costing more.

Across Nyamunuka and other parts of Kajara and Rushenyi, reliance on contaminated, shallow wells shared with animals is widespread. Local leaders, including Rushenyi MP Naome Kabasharira, are urging for the development of permanent water infrastructure to ensure a consistent and safe supply for the entire district, moving beyond reliance on wells and unpredictable systems.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370134/dry-spell-deepens-water-crisis-in-ntungamo-communities