Kayonza residents decry water shortage

Kayonza - Residents of Mukarange Sector in Kayonza District have asked government to address the problem of scarcity of water that has persistently hit various parts of the sector.

Saturday, June 16, 2012
Water shortage negatively affects domestic and economic activities. The New Times / File.

Kayonza - Residents of Mukarange Sector in Kayonza District have asked government to address the problem of scarcity of water that has persistently hit various parts of the sector.Residents presented their grievances to the Ministers Albert Nsengiyumva and James Musoni, of Infrastructure and Local Government respectively, who were on official tour in Kayonza district on Thursday.Joy Murekatete, a resident of Nyagatovu village, said lack of clean water was a serious issue because most residents struggle even to get stagnated water from River Muhazi and swamps. She lamented that people walk several kilometres, only to access dirty swamp water."We have everything in our village but water…I request the ministers here today to give us hope,” she said on behalf of the residents.Robert Mutabingwa, a local businessman said that shortage of water causes financial constraints to the residents especially those with business activities."We have been experiencing water problem for quite some time now. Kayonza is a good place to live, but when it comes to water scarcity you can hate it…government should do something to help us,” he said.Nsengiyumva however, assured the residents that water would be availed in the villages soon."I can assure you that the issue of scarcity of water is about to end. All that it takes to start extending water here is over, you shall in next few days see water at your door steps,” he said amidst applause.Meanwhile, Residents of Rwamagana district also expressed concern over constant power cuts."Electricity is no longer reliable…it goes from time to time hence paralysing our businesses. The same applies to water, we need some clarification and remedies,” said John Semana, an area resident.Desire Kayiru, Director EWASA Rwamagana station, said there was general shortage of electricity which demanded rationing."It’s not unique to Rwamagana…we generally have shortage of 6MW in the country. Rationing is thus inevitable. As for water, population increased while amount of water supplied remained constant,” he noted.