Kibuku, Uganda: Hundreds of residents in Nandere Sub-county on Tuesday celebrated the commissioning of a Shs627 million solar-powered piped water scheme that is set to supply thousands of households, schools and places of worship.
The project, funded under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) programme, was commissioned by Kibuku Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Musiho, who was accompanied by Assistant RDCs Mbasa Luke and Magumba Frank.
District Water Engineer Nkabi Julius revealed that the scheme was built in two phases at a combined cost of Shs627 million; Phase I for reservoir and pump house at Shs324 million and Phase II for piping and public stand posts at Shs303 million.
The elevated steel tank holds 60,000 litres, while the distribution network spans 12 kilometres, featuring 17 public stand posts and six private institutional connections for schools and places of worship.
“Water is free, but residents will pay only Shs25 per 20-litre jerrycan for operation and maintenance,” Nkabi said. “Four jerrycans cost just Shs100 compared to Shs400 in Kadama trading centre.”
He encouraged households seeking private connections to pick application forms from the sub-county offices.
Nandere Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Higenyi Jamada said some residents had initially opposed the project, but community-wide support has since grown after witnessing its impact. He urged locals to rally behind President Museveni for continued development.
Kibuku District Speaker Masiga Muzamiru, who recently went unopposed in Nandere nominations, said the new scheme pushes water coverage in the area to nearly 90%. “I pledge to secure the remaining 10 per cent in the next council,” he said.
Female District Vice Chairperson Namuzungu Amina, representing District Chairperson Haji Nakeba Muhamad, urged men to connect water to their homes to reduce domestic disputes arising from long hours spent at water points. She warned the public against politicising the project.
RDC Musiho praised the affordability of the operation fee and announced that Parish Development Model beneficiary lists are being updated. He encouraged youth to support the NRM, saying President Museveni remains committed to fighting poverty.
Residents welcomed the development with relief. Nabutono Amiina of Bulabya Village said long queues at boreholes are now a thing of the past. P.6 pupil Namugema Racheal of Nandere Primary School said girls will no longer face harassment or risk early pregnancy during long walks in search of water.
A new water management committee was inaugurated, chaired by Mweru Twaha, with Mwima Abubakar as secretary, Piita Clare as vice chairperson, and Mutome Esther as treasurer.
Nandere now joins Buseta, Kasasira, Bulangira Town Council, Kenkebu, Tirinyi and Kibuku Town Council among the sub-counties benefiting from similar government-funded water systems.
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