A bitter standoff has erupted between Kisoro District leaders and the Ministry of Water and Environment over delays, negligence, and alleged mismanagement of the Shs 66.34 billion Rubuguri water supply and sanitation project.
The project, whose feasibility study began in August 2018, was designed to include two sub-projects: the Rubuguri water scheme from Lake Mulehe, serving Kanaba, Nyundo, Nyakabande, and Bukimbiri; and the Rubuguri water scheme from Lake Mutanda, serving Nkuringo, Nyabwishenya, Rubuguri, Kirundo, and neighboring areas.
Despite being funded by the Government of Uganda and contracted to KAAGA and partners, progress on the ground has been minimal for the past seven years.
During a tense stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at Kisoro District Headquarters, district officials accused ministry representatives of failing the community through service delays and poor management, leaving thousands of residents without clean water.
Kirundo Sub-County Councilor, Louis Bishubeho, warned that continued delays put residents’ lives at risk, while Fred Mutambuzi, the LC3 Chairperson of Nyundo, decried the exclusion of his sub-county despite hosting both Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda. He cautioned that no water would leave Nyundo until the beneficiary map was revised.
CUE IN BISHUBEHO & MUTAMBUZI….ON THE ISSUE…..RR//
District LCV Chairperson, Abel Bizimana, criticized what he called “fake promises” by government, warning that it would be shameful if, in another five years, the ministry returned with the same unfulfilled pledges.
CUE IN BIZIMANA…..ON THE MATTER…..ENG//
Assistant RDC John Nizeyimana questioned whether the delays were politically motivated and called for unity among district leaders to strengthen follow-up and accountability.
CUE IN NIZEYIMANA……ON THE MATTER…..ENG//
In response, Ministry engineer Babra Nanyombi urged patience, saying stakeholders should allow the project to take shape instead of rushing to criticism before tangible work begins.
CUE IN NANYOMBI…..ON THE RESPONSE……ENG//
