By Owen Odong
Gulu, (UG):- A section of quarry workers operating near the Oltino Dam in Gulu City are urging Gulu city leaders to allocate new land for their activities to help them continue supporting their households.
This request comes as concerns grow over encroachment and the implementation of a project by Acholi Private Sector Development called the full-scale source protection project.
The project aims to protect the Oltino Dam and ensure a clean water supply, which is essential for the health and well-being of the local community in Gulu City.
Funded by the World Bank with a budget of 789 million, the project includes a 156 million allocation for awareness and mobilization of locals and government stakeholders.
This funding will support initiatives to educate the community about the importance of protecting the Oltino Dam and the benefits of the project.
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation has implemented a full-scale source protection plan for the Oltino Dam, removing human activities along the dam to protect the water source and prevent pollution.
In 2006, the Oltino Dam dried up due to weather changes, causing water shortages in Gulu City. Encroachment along the dam was identified as a primary cause of the problem, highlighting the need for sustainable management of the dam and its surrounding environment.
The consequences of the dam’s drying up were severe, with many residents struggling to access clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. This experience underscored the importance of protecting the dam and ensuring a reliable water supply for the community.
Micheal Otim, the Project Manager of Acholi Private Sector Development, emphasized the need to empower quarry workers to prevent water source pollution. “We need to empower them and equip them to ensure they can continue supporting their families after they leave the quarry work,” he said.
“This project is not just about protecting the environment, but also about improving the livelihoods of the people who depend on the dam.”
Otim added that the project will provide alternative livelihood support, including livestock and poultry, to benefit about 400 quarry workers and prepare them for leaving the catchment area.
He explained that the project will also provide training and skills development for selected community members, enabling them to access new economic opportunities and improve their socio-economic status.
“This support will be crucial in helping quarry workers transition to new livelihoods and reducing their dependence on quarrying activities”.
Bosco Okot, Chairperson of Mining in Tedam, appealed to the Acholi sectors to support orphan children and quarry workers with funds to start small businesses.
He emphasized the need for clear plans to support quarry workers before the project commences, ensuring that they are not left behind in the transition process.
Okot’s concerns highlight the importance of considering the social implications of the project and ensuring that vulnerable members of the community are supported.
Alfred Okwonga, City Mayor of Gulu City, urged leaders to work together to ensure the project’s success because there were a lot of government projects that failed because of putting residents in groups. He advised the Acholi sectors to empower local people individually rather than through group support, promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to development.
Okwonga’s comments emphasize the need for a collaborative approach to development, one that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of local communities.
Rose Adong, Local Councillor of Tedam, highlighted the need to address health concerns of quarry workers before stopping them from quarry work.
She emphasized the importance of creating awareness and promoting mindset change among workers to prepare them for alternative livelihoods. “We need to ensure that the quarry workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to adapt to new economic opportunities,” she said.
Adong’s comments underscore the importance of investing in the health and well-being of quarry workers, as well as their economic empowerment.
Bernard Opiro, a concerned resident of Tedam, has appealed to the government to establish and enforce bylaws that regulate human activities near wetlands.
This, he believes, is crucial in preventing the degradation of water sources, including the Olitino Dam.
Opiro emphasized that if the government fails to implement and enforce laws to prevent encroachment, human activities will inevitably pollute and spoil the water source, posing a significant threat to the environment and the community’s access to clean water.
Nelson Tasenga, the CEO of Acholi Sectors Development, announced plans to plant trees along the Oltino Dam source to combat climate change. He assured that the project will take only one year to complete and appealed to the community to welcome the project.
“We urge the local community to support this project, which will not only protect the environment but also improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Tasenga’s comments emphasize the importance of community engagement and participation in the project, as well as the potential benefits of the project for the local community.
The Oltino Dam protection project is part of a larger effort to address environmental concerns in Gulu City. The city’s wetlands, such as Pece and Olitino streams, face degradation due to human activities like farming, settlement, and pollution.
Efforts to protect these ecosystems are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development in the region.
The project’s focus on environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods reflects a growing recognition of the importance of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship
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