MBARARA– Mbarara District Chairperson Capt JB Bamuturaki Tumusiime has warned people who have intentions of vandalising water systems that were handed over to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to desist from such acts.
Tumusiime said the government decided to hand over gravity flow water systems to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to ensure effective maintenance and management for sustainable utilisation.
The warning follows reports presented at the Mbarara District water and sanitation coordination committee meeting that people in rural areas are charged the same water tariffs as urban dwellers and as such, some have started vandalizing the water systems to illegally draw water.
The meeting was chaired by the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Mbarara district Fred Tushabe Rugasira.
The Mbarara District water officer, Joseph Mucunguzi reported that some people have started vandalising water systems and fetching water from open wells suspected to be contaminated which might cause disease outbreaks. Areas, where people have started destruction of the systems, include Nyabikungu, Katereza, and Kitunguru in Rugando Sub-county, Rwampara county.
However, Mucunguzi explained that the water tariffs placed on gravity flow schemes are through government policy which can only be altered by recommendations passed by the district council that has the duty of forwarding the people’s request to parliament.
On the closure of government-aided primary schools in the district more especially in Rubaya sub-county Kashari south; Capt Tumusiime said it is the responsibility of parents and school
communities to mobilise with the help of their local leaders, religious leaders and founding bodies to contribute to the construction of latrines, teachers’ houses and maintenance of school facilities.
The government-aided primary schools threatened for closure within a period of one month include Rubaya, Rwantsinga, Omukigando, Kaguhanzya and Ruburara. Also to be affected are markets like Rushozi in Rubaya Sub-county.
