Summary:
Vincent Xavier Okwii, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, urged beneficiaries of the LEGS project, particularly the piped water initiative, to take ownership by paying a monthly maintenance fee to ensure its sustainability.
KATAKWI: The Ministry of Local Government has commissioned a multi-million shilling piped water and sanitation project in Orungo Corner Town Board, Guyaguya Sub-County, Katakwi District.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by Her Excellency, Rt. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, and the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi.
According to the District Water Officer and project supervisor, Lydia Apio Esessa, the project began in 2013 with the drilling of a production well, which was later connected to a piped water system. She emphasized that the initiative promotes access to clean water, a fundamental human right.
The project was executed by Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited at a cost of UGX 955 million, funded by the Islamic Development Bank under the Local Government Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project, facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government.
Apio stated that the piped water system will serve approximately 4,224 people, including residents of neighboring villages. She also highlighted the project’s positive impact on reducing cases of domestic violence, as women no longer have to stand in long queues at boreholes to fetch water.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Chairperson of Katakwi District, commended the government and the LEGS project for their efforts in improving local infrastructure, including community access roads, value addition facilities, and markets.
Vincent Xavier Okwii, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, urged beneficiaries of the LEGS project, particularly the piped water initiative, to take ownership by paying a monthly maintenance fee to ensure its sustainability.
In remarks delivered by Paul Okot Okello, the Commissioner of District Administration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumamanya, revealed that preparations for LEGS Phase Two are underway to address gaps left in Phase One.
He noted that Phase One covered 17 districts, with seven benefiting from rural financing and ten from both rural financing and economic infrastructure. The first phase is set to conclude on August 31, 2025.
Kumamanya added that all sub-projects that were not completed in Phase One will be finalized in Phase Two, which is in its final technical approval stages.
Minister Raphael Magyezi urged the beneficiaries and local leaders to plan for the sustainability of the water project. He stressed the importance of a well-structured project management committee to ensure long-term maintenance and growth.
Meanwhile, Vice President Maj. Rtd. Jessica Rose Alupo reiterated the government’s commitment to providing safe and clean water through the Ministry of Local Government under the LEGS project. She emphasized that access to clean water is crucial in preventing waterborne diseases.
Alupo also announced that 100 brand-new water pipes have been distributed to rehabilitate boreholes, further enhancing water access for the community. Additionally, she contributed UGX 5 million towards water bill payments to ensure residents can access water for free.
The LEGS project has invested a total of UGX 9.7 billion in various initiatives, including piped water, a rice processing unit in Ocorimongin, road works for Iising–Palam market stalls, and irrigation projects worth UGX 4.6 billion, which are yet to be commissioned.
