The persistent water crisis in Lwengo District has reignited calls for government intervention, with Bukoto West MP Mohammad Muyanja Ssentaayi urging authorities to transfer rural water distribution responsibilities to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
Speaking at the launch of a new government-funded water dam and storage tanks, Ssentaayi argued that NWSC is better equipped to ensure a stable and reliable water supply in rural areas, where shortages have persisted for years.
Residents of Lwengo have long struggled with acute water scarcity, forcing many to walk long distances in search of water.
In some cases, locals share water sources with animals, exposing themselves to health risks.
Despite repeated appeals for government action, the crisis has remained unresolved, prompting some leaders to construct small water reservoirs as temporary relief.
However, many of these makeshift solutions lack proper filtration, leaving residents with unsafe drinking water.
In response to the crisis, the government, through the Lwengo District Water Department, has initiated several projects, including constructing water storage tanks, excavating village water dams, and installing solar-powered water systems.
The project, valued at billions of shillings, is expected to be completed within six months.
At the project launch, frustrated residents voiced concerns over the ongoing struggle for clean water, calling for a long-term solution.
"We suffer a lot to get water. Sometimes, we have to share water with animals because there is no clean source available," one resident said.
Lwengo District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta acknowledged that inadequate government funding has hampered efforts to expand water access in rural areas.
"The lack of funding has made it difficult to provide water to all communities," Kitatta said.
Ssentaayi argued that handing over rural water supply to NWSC would provide a lasting solution.
"If NWSC takes over, it will help solve the water crisis more effectively. People in rural areas deserve clean and safe water, just like those in urban centers," he said.
Beyond supply issues, Ssentaayi also raised concerns about the vandalism of water infrastructure, warning that such destruction hinders development.
"The government invests a lot in these projects, but criminals keep destroying them. We need serious action against such acts," he said.
Lwengo Resident District Commissioner Immy Kateera warned against the theft and destruction of water facilities, vowing that perpetrators would face severe consequences.
"Anyone caught vandalizing water infrastructure will be dealt with harshly. We will not tolerate such actions," he declared.
As the government rolls out new projects, residents remain hopeful that a permanent solution—possibly under NWSC—will bring an end to their water woes.