Residents of Rwamahano Village in Ikamiro Parish, Muko Sub County, are expressing growing dissatisfaction with the government and their Members of Parliament over the persistent lack of water in the area. The community, predominantly inhabited by the Batwa minority tribe, has faced this challenge for over fifty years, with the recent prolonged dry season exacerbating their struggles.
The scarcity of water has forced locals to undertake grueling five-hour treks to Lake Bunyonyi to fetch water. This situation has led to significant disruptions in daily life and has had far-reaching social implications.
Janet Tusasire, a resident of Rwamahano, highlighted the severe impact on women, who spend most of their time searching for water. “We spend more than four hours walking to the lake to fetch water,” she said. “This not only prevents us from watering our crops but has also contributed to increased domestic violence in the area.”
Another resident, Ananius Rukyogoza, echoed these sentiments, describing the multitude of problems they face due to the water shortage. “We can’t wash ourselves or provide clean water for our animals and families. School children arrive late because they have to fetch water first,” he explained.
The situation briefly improved when a local organization provided water three months ago. However, this solution failed shortly after its inception, leaving the community back at square one.
Bernard Turyahebwa, the Chairperson of LC1 for Rwamahano Village, emphasized the harsh reality of their daily struggles. “Because of the hilly terrain, we have to walk down to Lake Bunyonyi, a journey that takes about five hours. This has led to an increase in domestic violence and even cases of rape,” he reported.
Residents have expressed disappointment with their Member of Parliament, who had previously given them hope for a lasting solution. Despite numerous promises, the community still waits for effective action to address their plight.
In a desperate plea, the locals are now calling upon the government to intervene and provide a sustainable solution to the water crisis. “We need immediate assistance from the government to end this suffering,” urged Tusasire. The community hopes that their cries for help will finally be heard and that their decades-long struggle for access to clean water will come to an end.
As the water crisis continues to disrupt the lives of Rwamahano residents, their call for immediate and sustainable solutions grows louder. The community hopes that the government and relevant authorities will finally take decisive steps to end their decades-long struggle for access to clean water.
ENDS////
