Soroti — WATER and sanitation agencies operating in Katakwi and Amuria districts have reported that 57 percent of water source in the districts are contaminated.

The agencies have been part of the emergency interventions directed into the region at the peak of the floods in September.

The report by the agencies dated December 4 shows that over 30 water sources in Katakwi alone have been infected by Coliform bacteria.

Katakwi District Health Officer, Dr Thomas Onyige said 50% of the water points in the district had been plagued by the bacteria.

"There is need for disinfection of the water but in the meantime we are advising our people to boil water before consumption," Dr Onyige said.

Dr Onyige said Coliform Bacteria is commonly found in the digestive tracts of animals and exposes its victims to high risks of contracting waterborne illnesses. He said water sources in IDP camps had particularly been infested with germs and attributed the high prevalence of the infection to the recent floods.