In a vibrant ceremony that unfolded on the 12th of September, 2023, at Kacwamba Primary School in Ruhumuro Sub-county, Igara East Constituency, Bushenyi District, a significant development marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Kyabukumu Gravity Flow Scheme (GFS). This essential infrastructure, aimed at providing clean and accessible water to the local community, was officially handed over to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) for improved management and expansion.
The event witnessed a substantial turnout, with prominent figures gracing the occasion, including political and technical leaders from the district, the NWSC team led by the Area Manager-Bushenyi, Eng Sam Kigundu, and enthusiastic residents and opinion leaders from Ruhumuro Sub-county.
The Vice Chairperson of the district, Hon. Peter Mugume Ndyahoza, who led the district’s political leadership, emphasized the importance of this transition. Notably, nearly 98% of the district councilors were present, emphasizing the unanimous support for this initiative.
On the technical front, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Mr. John Nyakahuma and his deputy played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth handover, whereas Ruhumuro Sub-county, both in terms of political and technical leadership, was also well represented, with LC3 Mr. John Tumuhaise at the forefront.
The LC3 Chairman of Ruhumuro Sub-county passionately urged NWSC to consider extending water services to all corners of the Sub-county now that it was officially under NWSC’s jurisdiction, and this call for inclusivity was met with enthusiasm.
Honorable Kanyankore and Honorable Septemba, LC5 councilors for Ruhumuro Sub-county, expressed their gratitude to NWSC’s Managing Director for assisting the district in acquiring the land for the water source at Kyabukumu, an endeavor which had incurred a substantial cost of over 18 million shillings.
Eng. Kahabgye Victor, the District Water Officer, on the other hand shed light on the project’s financial aspect noting that; the Kyabukumu GFS project had a total cost of close to 230 million shillings, encompassing the construction of the water source, a 3000-liter sedimentation tank, a 40,000-liter collection tank, an 8-kilometer pipeline network, 14 Public Standpipes (PSPs), a break pressure tank, and the formation and training of water user committees.
Eng. Sam Kigundu expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the Bushenyi district’s cooperation and pledged to collaborate with leaders and stakeholders at various levels to redesign and expand the scheme, ensuring it serves even more households. He also informed the Ruhumuro community that water services were available for purchase, with plans to organize sensitization meetings to explain tariff structures and new connection procedures.
The CAO Mr. John Nyakahuma extended his gratitude to NWSC for their partnership in securing the land at the water source and promised unwavering support whenever called upon.
The Vice Chairperson of the district, Hon. Peter Mugume Ndyahoza, echoed his commitment to strengthening the cooperation with NWSC to better serve the people of Ruhumuro. He even suggested the possibility of organizing another visit by the district council to the scheme after the takeover.
As a significant gesture, the Chief Guest and Ruhumuro’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Robert Atuhairwe, lauded the partnership between the district and NWSC in their shared mission to serve the people of Ruhumuro. He assured full support from his office to NWSC and the local community and concluded the ceremony by commissioning a Public Stand Pipe (PSP) at Kacwamba Primary School, officially handing it over to the school’s Headmistress for operation and maintenance.
This momentous event depicted the dedication of Bushenyi District and NWSC to providing essential water services to the people of Ruhumuro. With the Kyabukumu Gravity Flow Scheme under NWSC’s management, a brighter and more accessible safe water future awaits the community, ensuring improved health, sanitation, and overall well-being.
