Water Relief for Rubanda: 1 billion Rutoga Supply System to Transform Health and Sanitation
Residents of Rubanda District on Friday received a major boost in their long-standing struggle for clean and reliable water following the official handover of the Rutoga Water Supply System by the Ministry of Water and Environment located in Kabirizi Parish along Rubanda -Kisoro road
The project, which is expected to serve nine villages, comes as a timely intervention for communities and institutions that have endured prolonged water shortages.
According to the district Water Officer Eng David Otika, the entire district headquarters is battling a challenging situation with employees relying heavily on rainwater—often an unreliable and insufficient source.
Otika expressed concern over the persistent lack of water, describing it as a serious obstacle to service delivery. He called for further expediting of water flow to ensure that the facility and surrounding areas can fully benefit from the new system.
“We have spent a long time without water, and this source will help solve many of the challenges we face, especially in maintaining proper hygiene,” he said.
He explained that poor sanitation has been a growing concern, with some areas experiencing alarming hygiene conditions due to water scarcity. The new system is expected to significantly improve cleanliness and reduce health risks linked to inadequate water access.
Speaking during the handover, Eng. Mark Ngabirano from the Ministry noted that the project will ease the burden on residents who previously had to walk long distances in search of water.
“This system brings water closer to the people and will greatly improve their daily lives,” he said.
Meanwhile Emelda Nakalembe from Lexas Green Contactors, contacted to construct the project stressed that the solar-powered project took six months of construction at a cost of one billion shillings, and is part of government efforts to extend clean water services to underserved communities.
Local leaders have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the availability of reliable water will not only improve sanitation but also uplift the overall quality of life for residents who have long struggled without this essential resource.
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