Kabale Town, a bustling hub in Uganda, is grappling with a severe water shortage following the breakdown of a crucial pump operated by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) at Lake Bunyonyi. With a population exceeding 40,000 residents, the crisis has triggered fears of a potential disease outbreak as locals resort to alternative, often unsafe water sources.
Current Situation
For over a week now, Kabale residents have been enduring the ramifications of the water pump malfunction, which has disrupted the supply of clean water to homes and businesses. Despite NWSC’s pivotal role as the primary supplier of potable water, many locals have been compelled to rely on untreated water from streams and springs on the town’s outskirts. The dire circumstances have led to exorbitant prices for water, with vendors charging between Shs1000 to Shs1500 for a 20-liter jerrycan.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The water scarcity has inflicted financial strain on residents and entrepreneurs alike. Mr. Waswa Bukhari, a hotel proprietor, revealed that he now incurs a daily expense of Shs5000 to transport water from a distant spring, significantly inflating operational costs. Similarly, Ms. Daisy Twakiire, a resident, lamented how the shortage has forced her to curtail her hotel’s operating hours, affecting revenue and customer satisfaction.
Community Response
The community is grappling with the logistical challenges posed by the crisis, with individuals resorting to unconventional methods to access water. Mr. Aggrey Matsiko, a local businessman, highlighted the burden faced by residents who rely on motorcycles to fetch water from remote sources, incurring additional expenses. He questioned the efficacy of municipal and district authorities in addressing the service delivery shortcomings.
Health and Sanitation Concerns
The scarcity of water has raised alarming concerns regarding public health and sanitation. Sam Arineitwe, the LC3 Chairman for Central Division in Kabale Municipality, warned of potential sewage line breakdowns due to the lack of water for basic hygiene needs, including flushing toilets and urinals. The situation poses a significant risk of disease outbreaks and environmental contamination.
Official Response and Remedial Measures
In response to mounting pressure, Patrick Otim, the Manager of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation in Kabale District, attributed the crisis to the breakdown of high-yielding water pump motors at NWSC Bunyonyi intake. He assured residents that a dedicated team is working tirelessly to rectify the issue and anticipates reconnection within the next 24 hours. Despite operating at only 40% capacity using an alternative pump, NWSC is committed to restoring normalcy to water supply operations.
The water crisis plaguing Kabale Town underscores the critical importance of robust infrastructure and effective governance in ensuring access to clean water, a fundamental human right. As residents endure hardships and businesses face economic setbacks, swift and decisive action is imperative to mitigate the impact of the crisis and prevent further escalation. In the face of adversity, unity, resilience, and proactive measures are essential to navigate through these challenging times and safeguard the well-being of the community.