Kasese District Local Government has officially commissioned Phase I of the Kabingo Gravity Flow Scheme and handed over Phase II of the project to contractors for construction, marking a significant step forward in improving access to safe water in Munkunyu Subcounty.
The commissioning and handover ceremony took place today at Salaama Trading Centre in Katanda II village, Munkunyu Subcounty. Phase I of the project, valued at UGX 645 million, was constructed using funds from the District Water and Sanitation Conditional Grant, while Phase II, worth UGX 239,075,907, will be funded by SMVA Trust and PARC-Uganda.
The event was officiated by the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kasese, Ms. Muhindo Justine Mutabazi, who formally commissioned the completed Phase I works and handed over Phase II to the contractors for implementation.
While addressing residents, Ms. Mutabazi called upon Water User Committees to actively carry out their responsibilities, emphasizing proper operation and maintenance of the gravity flow scheme. She urged the community to take ownership of the project and maintain the water chain through good hygiene practices such as handwashing and using clean water containers to prevent waterborne diseases.
She further encouraged residents to engage in productive work, reduce excessive alcohol consumption, and invest household resources in activities that promote development. Ms. Mutabazi also urged community members to adopt soil and water conservation measures, including digging trenches in gardens, and to ensure that children attend school.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Kikusa Mustafa appealed to civil servants to remain active at the community level and play their role in addressing local challenges. He criticized absenteeism among some public officers, noting that effective service delivery requires regular engagement with the people.
Mr. Mustafa also emphasized sanitation and water safety, warning that unsafe water handling could lead to infections and disease outbreaks. He informed residents that community participation will be critical during the implementation of Phase II, particularly in supporting activities such as digging pipe trenches and taking part in operation and maintenance.
He further warned against gender-based violence, noting that the water project should contribute to reducing domestic conflicts associated with water scarcity.
Kasese District Chairperson, Hon. Muhindi Bukombi Eliphazi, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to expanding access to safe water, in line with the government policy that every household should access clean water within one kilometre. He noted that the district is prioritizing the construction of gravity flow schemes to meet this target.
Hon. Bukombi called on residents to protect the water infrastructure and ensure proper operation and maintenance to sustain the benefits of the project.
During the event, residents welcomed the development, with Ms. Ithungu Jonah Mughongo, a resident of Katanda II village, expressing appreciation for the project. She noted that women previously walked long and risky distances to fetch water but will now access water more easily. She pledged community commitment to maintaining cleanliness at the water points and improving household hygiene.
The commissioning of Phase I and the handover of Phase II mark a key milestone in Kasese District’s efforts to improve rural water coverage and strengthen community participation in water management.
