By Brian Atuhura
After years of concern from residents of Kijunjubwa Town Council over the lack of piped water, there is renewed hope as the district prepares to commence a feasibility and detailed design study for a piped water supply project in the next financial year.

The assurance was given by the Acting District Engineer, Alfred Ocen, during the quarterly District Water and Sanitation Coordination meeting held on Monday at the district headquarters.The study is estimated to cost shs 40 million and marks a key step towards addressing long standing water challenges in the area.

In his report, Eng.Ocen revealed that the district has lined up several interventions to improve access to safe water.A total of four spring wells will be protected at a cost of shs 21,037,860.These include springs in Rwangware village, Ekarakaveni village,and Siiba village in Nyantonzi Sub-County,as well as one in Kisambo Village in Bwijanga Sub-County.

Additionally,one deep borehole will be drilled at Kinumi Seed Community Secondary school at a cost of shs 28 million to serve both the school and surrounding communities.

The district also plans to rehabilitate four boreholes at a total cost of shs 41,194,820.These include facilities at Muro primary school, Kisoga village,and Rusangura primary school in Bwijanga Sub-County,as well as one at Marongo Catholic Church in Bulima Town Council.

Meanwhile,Simon Mugume,the WASH Manager for Water Trust,reported significant progress by development partners.He noted that Water Trust has so far drilled 16 out of the targeted 25 boreholes, rehabilitated five boreholes,and tested over 335 water points to ensure the provision of safe and clean water.

On the part of the National Water and Sewerage Cooperation,Area Manager Masindi, Lambert Tabu,said the entity has extended water services to more than 86,519 households and public facilities, achieving 86 percent coverage in the current financial year.

Closing the meeting,the Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer,Musa Kyamiza,urged the district planning department to integrate the work plans and budgets of implementing partners to avoid duplication of efforts and resources.

He commended partners for complementing government efforts, noting that the district alone cannot adequately meet the growing demand for safe water services.