Richard Bomera, the LCIII chairperson for Bulembia Division in Kasese municipality, says river Nyamwamba needs periodic desilting to minimize flooding and its effects.
Chance Kahindo the Mayor of Kasese Municipality says they fear that if the rains become intense as its being predicted, water might carry along properties including boulders that would eventually silt the river again.
River Nyamwamba has in the recent past caused a lot of destruction and loss of lives as a result of flooding. The latest events resulted in the destruction of Kilembe Mines Hospital and left hundreds of area residents displaced.
The Minister of State for Water and Environment, Aisha Ssekindi says the ministry will urgently prioritise mobilising for more money to help the district expand flood control interventions along major rivers.
WWF is implementing the midstream activities after signing a contract with the Ministry of Water and Environment and its activities include raising community awareness on environment conservation, riverbank stabilization, and supporting the livelihood of communities along the catchment area.
Jessica Nyamukonzo a resident of Katiri Parish in Kilembe Sub County says her parish entirely depends on river Nyamwamba for domestic water since there is no piped water.
Kipura Zalot, the project coordinator, says that they have so far planted 500 trees in the first phase of the restoration project, adding that more than 300 others will be planted in this second phase.
The deceased was identified as Semei Muthondi, a resident of Kihara Cell, Nyamwamba division in Kasese Municipality. His body was discovered by residents at the banks of the river.
The plan involves the planting of bamboo trees on the river banks and supporting the livelihoods of communities along the catchment area. The ministry will also install a flood forecasting and early warning system and do spot cleaning of the river.
Kilembe Mines Hospital has temporarily been closed as floods washed through the facility. It washed away the drug store and the hospital mortuary. The river last flooded in July 2015.
