Kampala — ARIVU sub-county in Arua district commissioned the first tap water system on Sunday. The gravity-flow system covers over 6km, with 13 tap stands. It is expected to serve over 5,000 people. The senior assistant water engineer, Albert Orijabo, said the project was initiated in 2003 after identifying a safe water catchment area.

He commended the community for identifying the area and encouraged other sub-counties to do the same. Okava gravity flow water system was constructed by Lugore Traders at sh240m.

The resident district commissioner, Ibrahim Abiriga, who commissioned the scheme, asked the water department to identify more upland rivers or springs that can be developed to increase the water coverage, which stands at 74.9%.

He advised that tap stands be placed near homes to reduce the distance in fetching water. He observed that many areas, especially in Madi Okollo county, lack safe water points.

Abiriga passed out a team of community members who were trained in the basic maintenance of the water system. They were given operational tools and a bicycle each, which were procured by the district.