Relief as Masindi communities receive solar-powered water wells
He noted that the project would significantly improve access to safe water for schools, places of worship, and surrounding communities.
Masindi: Communities in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, are celebrating improved access to clean and safe water following the commissioning of four solar-powered deep-water wells drilled by the Islamic Centre for Education and Research (ICFER).
The wells were officially handed over to beneficiary communities on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the Child Rights Empowering and Development Organization (CEDO) premises in Kijura South Cell.
The water facilities have been established at Kihande Mosque, Kihande Islamic Primary School, Zam Zam School in Kirasa, and CEDO Agribusiness Training Centre in Masindi.
Presiding over the handover of the water well at the CEDO Agribusiness Training Centre, Masindi Municipal Mayor Joshua Amanyire commended ICFER and CEDO for their efforts in addressing water challenges faced by residents.
“Due to the laws and setup of urban centres, local authorities are not allowed to construct spring wells or boreholes. However, through collaboration with development partners such as ICFER and CEDO, we are able to provide alternative water sources and reduce the burden of water stress in our communities,” Amanyire said.
He noted that the project would significantly improve access to safe water for schools, places of worship, and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the event, Sekakozi Uthuman, the Officer in Charge of Water at ICFER, said water well drilling and extension remains one of the organization’s key programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
“Water is life. That is why we continue investing in projects that provide safe and clean water to communities. We call upon beneficiaries to make good use of these facilities and ensure they are properly maintained,” Sekakozi said.
According to Sekakozi, each of the four solar-powered water wells cost between Shs50 million and Shs70 million to construct. “The wells have been handed over to the communities, and we expect residents to contribute a small amount towards maintenance to ensure their sustainability,” he added.
Al Hajji Abdallah Byabasaija, the Executive Director of CEDO, said the organization hopes to attract more water projects to expand access to safe water in underserved areas.
“We are expecting more water projects that will enable communities to access safe and clean water. Our long-term plan is to extend piped water to surrounding communities in Kijura and other areas,” Byabasaija said.
He revealed that a community water management committee would be established to oversee the operation and maintenance of the facilities.
“Now that the water wells have officially been handed over, the community will take ownership. A committee will collect a small maintenance fee to ensure the facilities remain functional for many years,” he explained.
Mugisa Godfrey, the CEDO Board Chairperson applauded ICFER for supporting the organization and surrounding communities with the water project.
“Water is a basic necessity, yet some parts of Masindi still face serious water shortages. We appreciate ICFER for donating this water source, which will greatly improve the lives of many residents,” Godfrey said.
Robert Akuguzibwe, the Male Councillor for Southern Ward, praised the leadership of CEDO for mobilizing support that led to the successful implementation of the project.
“We thank the Executive Director of CEDO for lobbying for these water wells. We also appeal for similar support so that schools such as Masindi Secondary School and Kabalega Primary School, which have large populations, can also benefit from such projects,” Akuguzibwe said.
Alfred Kwamia, the LC1 Chairperson of Kijura South Cell, said the newly commissioned well would benefit not only institutions but also nearby residents.
“This water source will serve both the institutions and surrounding communities. We appreciate ICFER for this support and appeal for similar projects in other areas to improve access to safe and clean water,” Kwamia said.
The commissioning of the solar-powered wells is expected to ease water shortages in the beneficiary communities while promoting better sanitation, health, and socio-economic development in Masindi Municipality.
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