Kampala — Government has raised Shs 100bn to support water and sanitation projects in at least 200 new towns.

The Minister of Water Lands and Environment Col. Kahinda Otafiire (pictured right) said last Friday that the initiative is part of government's campaign to eradicate poverty.

He said this in a speech read for him by the Director of Water Development Patrick Kahangire at the groundbreaking ceremony of the gravity flow water project in Ibanda, Mbarara district last week.

"I thank Ankole Diocese for initiating Kamukuli waterscheme that has served the Ibanda community since 1982 and for agreeing to work with government to improve the water system," Mr Otafiire said.

Ibanda Mayor Francis Bamya apologised to the Bishop of East Ankole for the disagreements that came up over the management of water project and pledged new co-operation.

Mr Kahangire said the Shs 750m water project will benefit 300 homes.