Rukungiri: Water crisis triggers fears of diseases

Muhumuza Ambrose

Local residents of Bikurungu Sub County in Rukungiri district are at the risk of contracting dysentery, typhoid and other waterborne diseases because of drinking unsafe water.

Locals have attacked district leaders who have opted to remain silent as the diseases keep ravaging

them.

This is Kikongi village is among many in the district that lack water basically for domestic use.

There is only one source of water that the locals say is shared with animals thus making it unsafe for human consumption.

As a result of drinking this water, locals have started contracting water borne diseases including

dysentery, typhoid and bilharzia.

Locals have attacked the district leadership for remaining silent as water stresses accompanied by

waterborne diseases continue to ravage them.

There is some hope though.

Fred Turyamuhweza, the Rujumbura MP, constructed a water spring in this area to enable locals access available and clean water.

This spring will serve the population of about 60,000 people.

They have however been warned on vandalisation and mismanagement.

According to Turyamuhweza, this water source will mitigate water borne diseases but also reduce on the school drop outs.

Much as locals have been given clean water accessibility remains a challenge due to the nature of

the area.