UGX 6.2bn Obongi water project vandalized, Town Hit by Water Crisis.
By Okidi Patrick
OBONGI, UGANDA–Residents of Obongi Town Council are facing a water crisis after vandals damaged the distribution network of a shillings 6.2 billion piped water project, forcing a disruption in supply until new UPVC pipes are procured.
According to the office of the Resident District Commissioner and the Chief Administrative Officer Obongi, the damage was intentional and has left the entire town without running water.
Landlord locks pump: station over Shs20m claim
RDC Obongi, Hasaka Mpimbaza Samuel, said the crisis was compounded after the landlord on whose land the pump station is situated locked the gate, demanding Shs20 million in allegedefly owed by Obongi Town Council yhough 10m shilling had already been paid.
“We received reports that the landlord locked the pump station over unpaid money that wass agreed in an arrsngement with Obongi Town vouncil. Such action, together with the vandalism of the distribution lines by unknown people are uncalled for according to Hasaka.
However, it has cut off water to the whole town,” Hasaka said.
The district leadership has since intervened to engage the landlord and secure access to the facility as a short-term measure.
Hunt for vandals:
In a related development, security agencies are hunting unknown persons suspected of damaging water pipes along the network.
RDC Hasaka said the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted for damaging government property and causing public suffering.
“Anyone who know the people who intentionally broke pipes meant for the water network should quietly come to my office and whisper the name of the culprit. We are treating this as sabotage of a public project,” the RDC said.
He appealed to whistleblowers with information to report to his office confidentially to aid investigations.
Supply disrupted until repairs:
Officials from the district water department said normal water supply will remain disrupted until new UPVC pipes are procured and installed to replace the damaged sections.
The procurement process, they noted, may take time, leaving households, schools, and health facilities in Obongi Town Council to rely on alternative sources such as boreholes and wells.
Town council leaders have asked residents to use water sparingly and to report any suspicious activity around water infrastructure.
The Obongi Town Council piped water system was constructed at a cost of over shillings 6.2 billion to improve access to safe water in the border district.
Local leaders say the vandalism threatens a major government investment aimed at reducing water-borne diseases and easing the burden on women and children who walk long distances to fetch water.
Hasaka Mpimbaza warned that government will not tolerate acts that frustrate service delivery.
“These projects are for the people. Anyone found destroying public property will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The RDC’s office and the CAO’s office said they are working with the police, local council leaders, and community members to restore access and prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Efforts to get a comment from the landlord were futile by press time.
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