Geoffrey Okeny, the Assistant District Water Officer, acknowledged the residents' challenges and linked the water shortage to low water tables in some areas, which make drilling boreholes costly, and to the establishment of new villages.
One hundred and fourteen-114 villages in Kitgum District lack access to safe drinking water, putting many residents at risk of waterborne diseases.
Josephine Labol Ongom, a resident of Lapeitak Village in Orom Sub-County, revealed that their primary water source is the Karikelet stream, which is also used for livestock, creating significant health risks.
"We have no choice but to use the same water source as our animals, which is unsafe for our health," Ongom stated. "We urge the authorities to provide a safe and dependable source of drinking water."
Jennifer Acora, a resident of Munumak Village in Kitgum Matidi Sub-County, echoed Ongom's concerns. She explained that they trek over two kilometers to access safe drinking water from Paibony Primary School.
"The journey is exhausting, especially for the elderly and children," Acora said. "We appeal to the government to extend the piped water system to our village to ease our suffering."
Geoffrey Okeny, the Assistant District Water Officer, acknowledged the residents' challenges and linked the water shortage to low water tables in some areas, which make drilling boreholes costly, and to the establishment of new villages.
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"We are making efforts to extend the piped water system to the affected villages," Okeny stated. "However, we require support from the community and other stakeholders to achieve this."
Records from the Kitgum District Water Department indicate that the district has 988 boreholes, 21 piped water systems, 15 shallow wells, and 240 rainwater harvesting tanks.
Martine Okurungi, a sociologist with the Ministry of Water and Environment for the Northern Region, emphasized the need for proper planning and coordination to address Kitgum’s water crisis.
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He urged the district to develop effective plans for the affected villages and create a list of areas with low water tables to provide targeted assistance.
Opoka Denis
Freelancer