By Emmanuel Olinga
The Ministry of Local Government has commissioned a multimillion-shilling piped water and sanitation project in Orungo Corner Town Board, Guyaguya Sub-county, Katakwi District.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Her Excellency the Vice President, Rtd. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, alongside the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi.
According to Lydia Apio Eseza, the District Water Officer and project supervisor, the project began in 2013 with the drilling of a production well and has since developed into a fully piped water system, aimed at promoting access to the fundamental human right of clean and safe water.
The project, implemented by Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Ltd at a cost of UGX 955 million, was funded by the Islamic Development Bank under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government.
Apio noted that the piped water system will serve approximately 4,224 people, including residents of surrounding villages.
She also highlighted the social impact of the project, stating that it has helped reduce domestic violence, as women no longer have to queue for long hours at boreholes to fetch water.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Chairperson of Katakwi District, commended the government and the LEGS project for their role in improving infrastructure in the area.
He pointed out the positive developments including the construction of community access roads, value addition facilities, and modern markets.
Vincent Xavier Okwii, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D-RDC) of Katakwi, urged the community to take ownership of the water project by paying a monthly maintenance fee to ensure its sustainability.
In a message delivered by Paul Okot Okello, Commissioner for District Administration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumamanya, revealed that preparations for Phase II of the LEGS project are underway.
This phase aims to address gaps from Phase I and complete sub-projects that remain unfinished.
Kumamanya stated that Phase I was implemented in 17 districts, with 7 districts benefiting from rural financing and 10 districts from both rural financing and economic infrastructure.
The current phase is expected to close by August 31, 2025, while technical planning for Phase II nears completion.
Minister Raphael Magyezi encouraged both local leaders and beneficiaries to develop sustainable plans to maintain the water project.
He emphasized the importance of strong project management to ensure the infrastructure continues to serve future generations.
In her remarks, Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the Ministry of Local Government and the LEGS project for prioritizing safe water provision, a critical step toward preventing waterborne diseases.
She revealed that 100 brand-new water pipes have been distributed to support borehole rehabilitation in the district.
Alupo also contributed UGX 5 million towards water bills to ensure her constituents can access water free of charge in the short term.
So far, the LEGS project has injected a total of UGX 9.7 billion into Katakwi District.
This includes investments in piped water, a rice processing unit in Ocorimongin, roadworks for the Ising–Palam market corridor, and irrigation water projects valued at UGX 4.6 billion, which are yet to be commissioned.
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