More than 43,000 residents of Kabale District are set to benefit from the government-funded Bugarama–Karweru Piped Water Supply and Sanitation System, launched under the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The Shs47 billion project is one of the largest recent water interventions in Ndorwa East and aims to expand access to safe water, improve sanitation, and enhance resilience against climate change.
Implemented under the Climate Smart Water and Sanitation Investment Project (CWIP), the system will serve nine parishes and 117 villages across Maziba, Buhara, and Kyanamira sub-counties.
The contract was awarded to M/S Vidas Engineering Services Company Limited.
The project uses a combination of pumping and gravity flow technologies, drawing water from Kahama, Kashija, and Kacuro springs, as well as Lake Bunyonyi.
Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Muramira Kyakashari commended the NRM government for investing in water infrastructure and cautioned communities against vandalism, which undermines development.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Eng Felix Twinomucunguzi encouraged households to improve sanitation facilities to prevent diseases such as diarrhea.
“I want to caution against deforestation because it affects climate change and depletes water sources,” he added.
Kabale Woman MP Catherine Ndamira highlighted that the project will also bring electricity extensions to support water pumping, providing households the opportunity to connect to the national grid.
She urged residents to maintain hygiene practices and avoid open defecation.
Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba, the chief guest at the launch, noted that the project would end long-standing water stress in the 117 affected villages.
He called on residents to facilitate construction, protect the infrastructure, avoid planting eucalyptus near water sources, and support the contractor to ensure timely completion.