Gerald Tenywa And Ali Mambule
2 April 2008
Kampala — THE water state minister, Jennifer Namuyangu, has advised against the construction of boreholes and shallow wells in Ssese islands, Kalangala district, saying they are prone to contamination and frequent breakdown.
The minister instead advised the district to divert the money to installation of piped water.
Namuyangu said the boreholes and shallow wells were rendered useless in the dry season since the water table goes down.
"We should move away from shallow water wells and develop piped water technology. Politicians want shallow water wells for various reasons, but this requires maintenance and residents run out of water in the dry season."
Namuyangu was touring water facilities on Bugala Island in Kalangala district ahead of the national water review meeting that is taking place in Masaka.
John Opiro of Kalangala Infrastructure Services said pre-paid meters were being introduced in the district to reduce overhead costs.
The firm injected sh200m to construct two systems, which supply up to 40,000 litres of water every month.
Ronald Kasozi, an expert, said the pre-paid system had reduced water-borne diseases and cost of having metre attendants at the stand pipes.
Residents at the landing sites complained about the sh50 water tariff, but after a long debate, Namuyangu ruled that this should be maintained.
The Kalangala chief administrative officer, Olive Nakyanzi, called for bylaws that encourage promotion of access to safe water and sanitation.
"At Kasamba landing site, if the authorities see you squatting in suspicious manner, they fine you sh10,000."
Piped water is closer to the residents and has led to reduction in water borne-diseases like worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, said Nakyanzi.
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