The Vice President of Uganda, Rt. Major Jessica Alupo, has stated that the government of Uganda has committed to constructing 1540 boreholes in villages and towns in Uganda.
She made the remarks during the 40-year anniversary celebrations of WaterAid Uganda for distinguished service in the sanitation sector in Uganda.
Major Alupo also acknowledged the significant progress in achieving clean water coverage in both rural and urban areas.
“We have earmarked resources for the construction of 1,540 bore halls in 1,050 villages and town wards. Building 49 large, 69 medium, and 80 small pipe water schemes in both urban and rural areas and the rehabilitation and maintenance of 50 water systems in both centres,” she said.
She, however, recognised that more work is needed to achieve universal access. She also echoed President Museveni’s call to issue strong guidelines to preserve the environment and advocated for the inclusion of water aid in the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Under the policy, the Minister of Water and Environment is empowered to implement the directive. And I’m looking forward to all the partners. Work closely with the ministry so that we can reverse the adverse effects of climate change and global warming that have arisen out of the degradation of our environment,” Alupo urged.
State Minister for Water and Environment Aisha Sekindi commended WaterAid Uganda for their involvement in combating COVID-19.
“WaterAid supported Uganda Water and Environment Week, constructed wash infrastructure, and was very instrumental in the fight against COVID-19 through various interventions,” said Sekindi.
The Country Director of Water Aid Uganda, Jane Sembuche, committed to prioritising hygiene behaviour change in core public health programmes and policies.
“We want to improve the quality of health in health care facilities with inclusive and sustainable wash services. Third, we want to promote the ownership and responsibility of washing across the sector. We want everyone to own this responsibility because it contributes immensely to the economic development that we want to see in Uganda,” Sembuche said.
However, the acting Regional Director of WaterAid East Africa, Maurice Kwizera, expressed concern about the reality of climate change, which is putting already stretched water resources and services under threat.
According to Open Government Access (OGA), clean water is vital to our health, communities, and economy. OGA states that our economy depends on clean water, stating that manufacturing, farming, tourism, recreation, energy production, and other economic sectors need clean water to function and flourish.
