Nyakitabire Parish Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Appeal for Government Support

Rukungiri: Residents of Nyakitabire Parish in Ruhinda Sub-county, Rukungiri District, are grappling with severe water shortages as they struggle to access clean and safe water.

In a phone interview with our reporter on September 5, residents including Magret Tibasiima Florence from Kikunyu cell, and Clevaziyo Bareke revealed that they are forced to fetch water from a distant valley source. They explained that children trek long distances to access this water, which is also shared with animals such as cows and pigs.

The residents noted that outbreaks of diseases are common due to the consumption of unsafe water, yet many families lack the income to afford medical treatment. They added that most water wells have dried up in the current dry season, while the few that remain are still shared with animals.

They appealed to the government to construct at least one more reliable water source in their area.

Cue in…..VOXPOP Residents….RR

In response, Ruhinda Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Hellen Kabajungu, acknowledged the challenge, explaining that Nyakitabire has few aquifers and is rocky with mountainous terrain, which makes water source construction difficult.

Kabajungu assured residents that the government, through the Ministry, is planning to extend water from the Nyakyera source, with water tanks to be constructed soon. She urged residents to remain patient as efforts are underway to address the crisis.

Cue in….Hellen RR