By Obed Twinomujuni
Communities in Kisoro district have been urged to embrace water projects by availing land to Construct Water Harvesting Tanks that can help address water challenges in the district.
The call was made during a Stakeholders meeting organized by the Diocese of Muhabura, under the Water and Sanitation Program (DOM WATSAN) held at Muhabura View Guest House in Kisoro Municipality.
William Baributsa, Diocesan Coordinator for the DOM WATSAN revealed that at least 285 Ferro cement Water Harvesting tanks have been constructed across the district.
Baributsa said the main objective of the meeting was to raise awareness and provide accountability of the work being done under the program.
He explained that three Water harvesting tanks in Muramba and Kirundo Sub Counties require repair after they were blocked, and this was done successfully.
Baributsa said communities and other stakeholders deserve to be informed on the achievements and challenges because it can help improve the way people respond to such programs.
He called on some communities that are still adamant in providing land for water pipes and water harvesting tanks to cooperate because access to water is a human right that cannot be ignored or overlooked.
According to WATSAN Newsletter, Kisoro district’s safe water coverage that stood at only 45.7% in 2005.
By 2019, the water coverage had gone up to 65% and has since increased in 2023.
Assistant Water Officer in Kisoro district Christopher Mugisha commended the Diocese of Muhabura for the good work of connecting communities with clean safe water.
Mugisha said the biggest challenge is having some individuals choosing to illegally connect their homes to water at the expense of other cooperative households.
Alice Munezero, the Muramba Sub County Agricultural Officer said Muramba once held the position of most malnourished Sub County in the district.
Munezero said when water management is poor, it leads to soil erosion and this affects the nutritional content of the food being eaten.
She urged the Diocese of Muhabura to continue sensitizing communities on how to harvest water and use it profitably during the dry season so as to improve their quality of life.
Diocesan Secretary for Diocese of Muhabura, Rev. Steven Ruzaza said an additional 11 water harvesting tanks in the Parishes of Nyundo, Rwamashenyi, Kateretere and Rugarambiro is a great reason to celebrate life because when more people have access to safe water, they are able to live constructive lives.
Ruzaza said water challenges are still many across the district however Government and other stakeholders are committed to make Kisoro communities live a better life.
The Town Clerk for Nkuringo John Byiringiro, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer said water is life and people are not able to develop without access to safe water.
He called on Communities to work closely with the various water projects and desist from sabotaging them because the benefits will be felt for many years to come.
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