MBARARA – In a bid to reduce the scarcity of water in Ibanda, the Italian Catholics under the Order Franciscan Secular (OFS) have extended tapped clean water to Kihani Parish in Ibanda District.
The project officially commissioned by Fr Longino Asiimwe on Sunday, April 28, at St Charles Lwanga Kihani Parish in Kikyenkye Sub-county will benefit more than 3,000 people in the area.
Mr. Gilbert Muhumuza, the project coordinator, said a total of UGX200m was spent to construct tanks, install pumps and taps for the locals. It will ensure that locals cease from relying on unsafe water from wells.
The water project is expected to benefit locals including schools like St. Agnes SS Kihani, St. Joseph’s P/S, St. Mary’s P/S, Allied P/S and Bright Model School.
Mr. Muhumuza noted that Kihani has been greatly affected by shortage of clean water which has retarded development in the area.
“When I submitted my request…without hesitation they accepted and funded the project,” said Mr. Muhumuza.
He further noted that in the whole parish, they have been depending on one borehole which was constructed by government of Uganda two years back and that residents would line up or else would trek long distances to get water from wells.
He, however, noted that during the implementation of the project, some of the communities were hesitant to allow them go through their land because they wanted compensation.
Mr. John Tusiime Abakunda, the chairman of the Kihani Parish Council commended Franciscans for providing a lasting solution to water shortage in the area.
Mr. Koromu Musoke, the proprietor Allied P/S also testified that his school has been relieved of the water burden.
Ms. Monika Midveryte of OFS International Councilor Rome, Italy said the project is a European Franciscan family who devoted some of the funds to extend water to the people of Ibanda.
Other areas in Ibanda that are challenged by scarcity of water include sub-counties of Nyabuhikye, Keihangara, Nsasi, Nyamarebe and Rushango.
