Rwabara-Nyumba reformed Wetland users in Busanza and Nyarubuye sub counties in Kisoro district have decried Government’s silence after demanding that they stop cultivate food in the wetlands.
The Government, through its structures at Local Government level, has been enforcing an order to see all people cultivating in wetlands stopped, registered and oriented on an alternative source of livelihood.
Busanza residents have been depending on the wetlands to cultivate sweet potatoes, yams and Sugarcane.
A consultative meeting meant to demonstrate an irrigation system for modern farming in the area in Buhumbu Parish, Busanza Sub County quickly turned sour after the residents said they are tired of lip service and no actual projects being brought to the people.
The Kamukumu Village LC I Vice Chairperson Habarurema Jerome says after Government managed to get the communities out of the wetland, they promised a number of projects, including apiary, fish ponds and livestock farming among others.
According to Habarurema, Government’s promises have not yet materialized and yet people need to survive.
Other residents said it was not practical for them to irrigate because they have no land to use such technologies and worse still, Government has delayed to meet the people’s demands.
It was also raised that one of the Churches, Kamukumu church of Uganda, was being considered to benefit ahead of the other people in the community, which they described as unfair.
Kisoro District Agriculture Engineer Hatega John called upon the Rwabara-Nyumba reformed wetland users to be patient with government systems adding that delays are meant to ensure quality services reach the people.
Hatega urged farmers to embrace the irrigation system because it will introduce them to modern farming that is profitable and high yielding.
The Kisoro District Environment Officer Muja Judith said the decision by Government to restore wetlands is irreversible and necessary to preserve the eco-systems.
Muja further said that people need to be patient with Government as it procures the necessary items for the various groups in Busanza Sub County.
She noted that construction works for the irrigation system will commence in October this year, on Kamukumu church of Uganda land.
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