The Ministry of Water and Environment has commissioned and handed over four water supply schemes to Buikwe district, marking a significant milestone in enhancing access to clean water and sanitation in the region.
This initiative has taken part in broader efforts to address the pressing need for safe water under the schemes such as the Luyanzi-Towa and Katungulu water supply systems, the Nsanvu irrigation system, and the Nyemerwa irrigation system, which were constructed and completed.
The Assistant Commissioner for the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department (RWSSD), Eng. Ahmed Sentumbwe, on December 5, 2024, while in Buikwe district, officiated the commissioning and handover of four water supply schemes to enhance water access and sanitation in the region.
Sentumbwe, who represented Eng. Joseph Eyatu, the RWSSD Commissioner, said that the four new schemes are designed to improve water supply and sanitation services, addressing the critical need for safe drinking water in the district, where current safe water coverage stands at approximately 66%.
“The project components include water pumping stations, electromechanical equipment, pipework for transmission, distribution networks, and irrigation pipelines for irrigation systems,” he said.
He added that these projects are expected to significantly benefit local communities by providing reliable access to clean water, which is essential for health and economic activities, as the schemes include various technical options such as deep boreholes and piped water systems, aimed at reaching underserved areas.
According to Sentumbwe, the commissioning of the schemes directly addresses challenges faced by the district, including inadequate water supply infrastructure and poor sanitation facilities that affect a substantial portion of the population.
“The importance of these facilities is to prevent communities from returning to unprotected water sources,” Sentumbwe said.
The event emphasizes the government’s commitment to improving rural water supply and sanitation as part of the broader development goals that align with national strategies aimed at increasing safe water coverage in rural areas and enhancing overall public health outcomes.
The successful implementation of these schemes is expected to pave the way for further investments in water infrastructure, fostering partnerships with development organizations and local stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability.
As a result, the leadership of Eng. Sentumbwe in this initiative highlights the critical role of local governance in addressing water supply challenges and improving living conditions for residents in Buikwe district that should be implemented in other parts of the country.