By Joseph Logola
Acts of vandalism, poor maintenance of water sources have continued to affect access to safe and clean water to residents in Kotido district and municipality.
A report from UMBRELLA, a consortium of government water bodies established to support operations and maintenance of piped water systems in small towns and rural areas in Uganda indicates that only 4,506 people out of the total population of 11,980 in Longaroe sub-county in Kotido district have access to clean water sources in some taps.
Patrick Akena, the Acting Area Manager Umbrella in Kotido says that most of the taps are vandalized by the community who in turn complain of lack of access to clean water.
He adds that vandalism of water infrastructure has resulted to reduced access to safe and clean water for many residents, adding that operational risks due to acts of vandalism and theft of valuable metal pipes also led to increased maintenance costs.
His comments follow a concern raised by the residents of Longaroe Sub-county about the shortage of clean and safe water in the area.
The Sub- County, which had 16 taps installed by UNICEF in 2022 has remained with only 6 functional taps.
The other taps are reported to have broken down after alleged vandalism by some community members.
This has forced the women and children to trek long distances in search of water.
Cecilia Nakong, a resident of Kanamwar Village says that they walk more than 12 kilometers to get water.
According to the residents, the continuous outbreak of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and dysentery is due to the persistent water.
