KISORO: Residents of Chihe Parish in Nyakinama Subcounty, Kisoro District are living in fear as the water levels of Lake Mutanda continue to rise, threatening their lives, homes, and livelihoods.
The most affected villages include Gikoro, Kangoma, Gifunzo, Burere, Kanyamangere, Businga, Kinoni, and Buturanyi. Concerned locals warn that if water levels continue to increase, their homes and agricultural plantations may be submerged leading to food insecurity and hunger due to dwindling crop yields.
Residents are urgently calling on the government to provide immediate assistance, including food relief, household essentials, and alternative livelihood options to help them cope with the environmental crisis.
CUE IN RESIDENTS…….ON RISING WATER LEVELS…….RR//
Ntamukunzi Benon, the LC1 Chairperson of Gifunzo Village, attributed the lake’s swelling waters to the unusually heavy rainfall currently experienced in the region.
He appealed to the Kisoro District Production and Environment Office to intervene and sensitize communities on safe and sustainable living practices near water bodies.
CUE IN NTAMUKUNZI……ON THE ISSUE……..RR//
Meanwhile, Karimunda Deo, the LC2 Chairperson of Chihe Parish, voiced concern over the growing health risks posed by the expanding Chosa Bay Wetland.
He warned that stagnant water in the area could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other harmful insects, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
CUE IN KARIMUNDA…..ON THE ISSUE……RR//
