Residents of Kyigata Village in Muramba Parish, Nyakinama Sub-county, Kisoro District, are celebrating the launch of a new water extension project that has ended years of walking nearly two kilometres in search of clean water.
The project was officially launched by Bufumbira South Member of Parliament Eng. Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda at Kyigata Community House in Nyakinama Sub-county.
Kyigata LC1 Chairman Steven Shirambere said the water project had fulfilled a key campaign promise made by the legislator.
“For years we walked to the main road to fetch water. This project is a big relief for our community,” Shirambere said.
Residents praised Niyonsaba for honouring his pledge and appealed to him to lobby for electricity connectivity to further improve living standards in the area.
Nyakinama LC5 Male Councillor Richard Sanvura and LC3 Chairman Charles Bigira Kamuhanda urged residents to protect the water infrastructure from vandalism to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Female LC5 Councillor Flavia Nyiramahoro encouraged families to take advantage of the improved water access by engaging in income-generating activities that can help pay school fees and improve household welfare.
Addressing residents, Niyonsaba called on the community to embrace commercial agriculture rather than relying solely on subsistence farming.
“Grow fast-maturing crops such as vegetables. They have ready markets and provide quick returns,” he said.
The MP also cautioned Parish Development Model (PDM) leaders against diverting funds intended for vulnerable households.
“PDM funds should benefit genuine poor households, not those who are already well-off,” Niyonsaba said.
He further encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and gradually build their businesses.
“Limited capital should not stop you. Small businesses help build discipline, experience and skills that are necessary for long-term success,” he added.
