Oyam, (UG):- Business operators at Atura Landing Site in Aber Sub County, Oyam District, face serious health risks due to inadequate sanitation facilities. The landing site connects travellers from Langoo and Acholi Subregions to Mutunda Sub-county, Kiryandongo District, and other areas via motorboats.
Business-wise, the temporary closure of Karuma Bridge has boosted the boat transport business at Atura landing site. Boat transporters are now making between 70,000 and 80,000 UGX daily, up from 30,000 to 40,000 UGX previously.
However, the landing site has only one substandard pit latrine, exposing businesspeople to waterborne diseases.
Mohamed Ayo, Vice-Chairperson of Atura Business Community, attributes the Sanitation Crisis to the sudden closure of Karuma Bridge, which left the community unprepared.
“What is happening here now I can say is an emergency that caught us unaware. Karuma closer has brought big number of travellers who resorted to cross via Atura to Mutunda. This poses a sanitation challenge since we have only one pit latrine,” Ayo said.
Philips Mwebazi, General Secretary of Station Cell, Atura Parish, appealed to the subcounty authority to construct standard latrines in the area.
“We are praying to the sub County to come and construct for us latrine here because in one way or the other, this place will improve sub-county revenue. currently, the population here can not share this one latrine,” Mwebazi explains.
In response, Francis Angor, LCT Chairperson of Abair Subcounty, promised to pass a supplementary budget for constructing a drainable toilet at Atura Landing Site as soon as possible.
“Very soon we shall pass a supplementary budget and construct a latrine at Atura landing site because we want to see sanitation in that place maintained,” Angor said.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
