Rotary Club of Mbale Metropolitan Launches Bulusambu Water Project

The Rotary Club of Mbale Metropolitan officially launched and handed over the site for the construction of the Bulusambu Water Project at Lumbuku Village, Busiu Sub-County, Mbale District, on Wednesday. The $38,000 project is sponsored by four sister Rotary Clubs, including a Rotary Club in Belgium, the Rotary Club of Kampala, and Rotary International, and is being implemented by Rotary Mbale Metropolitan. 

Construction has been contracted to Ozarks Engineering Ltd and is expected to be completed within six months. Speaking during the commissioning, Julius Walimbwa, President of Rotary Mbale Metropolitan, emphasized the project's significance for the local community, including Lumbuku Primary School and a nearby health center. 

“This project will provide clean water to the community. I thank the residents for welcoming the project and pledging full support. We want the community to own it by contributing construction materials like sand and bricks,” Walimbwa said. He urged residents to work closely with engineers and report any concerns about the quality of construction.

Geoffrey Kiige, a Rotarian from Rotary Mbale Metropolitan, called on contractors to use local materials and labor to bolster the local economy. He also encouraged the community to maintain unity and collaboration throughout the project.

Michael Wanda, a resident of Lumbuku and the initiator of the Bulusambu Water Project, shared his vision of having water taps installed every 2 kilometers within the community. Wanda explained, “Since 2014, I have been lobbying the Rotary Club to help us expand the distribution of water pipes. We got support from a Rotary Club in Belgium, but they required a sister club in Uganda near the project to channel the funds.” He pledged his full support to ensure the project is completed on time.

Charles Tumwa, LC1 Chairman of Bunazenga Village, expressed gratitude to Wanda for advocating for the project, and highlighting its importance in addressing the community's long-standing water challenges. "Water is life, and we welcome this project with open arms. People here have been struggling to access clean water. I urge contractors to begin from our village as we are the most affected,” Tumwa said.

Habibu Shuka, another resident, appreciated the Rotarians for prioritizing the use of local resources and urged peaceful resolution of any project-related issues within the community. Once completed, the Bulusambu Water Project will improve access to clean water for thousands of residents, reducing the burden of water collection and enhancing health and hygiene in the area.