Butaleja DRDC Launches Piped Water Project in Himutu.

By Ambrose Wanagoli

The Butaleja District Deputy Resident Commissioner (DRDC), Ms. Betty Lutamaguzi Kalumba, on Wednesday, commissioned a new piped water system in Himutu Sub-county, a project implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment through the Eastern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation.

The newly launched water system is expected to benefit residents of Himutu Sub-county and surrounding communities by providing access to safe and clean water at an affordable cost.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Himutu Sub-county headquarters, Ms. Kalumba urged beneficiaries to embrace the project and contribute user fees to support the maintenance and sustainability of the water system.

She particularly congratulated women for the milestone, noting that inadequate access to water has been one of the factors contributing to domestic conflicts in many households.

“Women have often faced challenges due to delays in accessing water from boreholes. This project will save time and improve household welfare,” she said.

Ms. Kalumba also encouraged residents to utilize the piped water for irrigation of vegetables and other domestic purposes to improve livelihoods.

Butaleja District LCV Chairperson, Elvis Were, assured residents of the safety and quality of the piped water. He further appealed to the Eastern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation to extend similar services to other parts of the district.

The Butaleja District Water Officer, Richard Wasige, revealed that the project involved the installation of two water tanks: one with a capacity of 80,200 litres at Kangalaba and another with a capacity of 20,000 litres at Wangale.

According to Wasige, the facilities are designed to serve schools, public institutions, and the wider community. He added that the project also included the installation of 14 public stand taps and five water kiosks to ease access and reduce congestion at water collection points.

Speaking on behalf of residents, former Butaleja District Chairperson Sam Hibbinga Wyre said the community had long depended on contaminated water sources, including floodwaters from the Bugisu region, which were often shared with animals.

“We have suffered for years due to unsafe water sources. This project is a major relief to our people,” he said.

Ms. Betty Nsisyani, a teacher at Kangalaba Secondary School, welcomed the development, noting that residents previously spent up to Shs300 to purchase a jerrycan of water.

The commissioning of the piped water system marks a significant step in improving access to safe water and sanitation services in Himutu Sub-county, with leaders expressing optimism that the project will enhance public health and socio-economic development in the area.