GATSIBO-Residents of Kiramuruzi Sector in Gatsibo District have decried an increasing water shortage that has hit the sector.

Long queues form at watering points in Kiramuruzi town as residents from Gakoni, Kabuga, Nyabisindu and Gakenke sectors struggle to get water.

A 20-litre jerry can of water goes for Rwf 10 up from Rwf 5 prior to the current dry spell.

Odette Mukabideri, who owns a watering point in Kiramuluzi sector, told The New Times that she receives hundreds of clients everyday due to the scarcity.

"This has become so serious due to the dry season. We call upon sector and district authorities to look into this matter,” one of the residents said.

Anne Marie Mukayuhi, a resident of Nyabisindu cell walks five kilometres in search of water.

"I rest only when my children are on holidays…otherwise I walk five km to line up here for water. This affects other domestic work am supposed to do everyday,” said Mukayuhi.

However, district and sector officials, attribute the water crisis to some water channels that were damaged.

Bishop Kihangire, Kiramuruzi Sector Executive Secretary, said a number of water channels constructed by a Germany development partner (GTZ) are no longer operational.

"There are a number of non functional water channels but we are working with the Electricity and Water Supply Agency (EWSA) to repair them. We assure residents that this issue will be solved within two months,” he said.

Ends