Revival of dormant boreholes sparks excitement among Zombo locals
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, 308 boreholes have been abandoned for over five years.
Zombo: The rehabilitation of long-abandoned boreholes in Zombo District has sparked widespread excitement and hope among residents, many of whom have endured years without reliable access to clean water.
This transformative effort, spearheaded by Okoro County MP aspirant Norbert Okello, follows a comprehensive watershed assessment and is being implemented with support from NGOs and community well-wishers.
The first phase of the initiative targets eight non-functional boreholes, with restoration already underway in Ngia Village, Abeju Parish, Nyapea Sub-County.
“We launched this initiative after evaluating the severe challenges people face due to the scarcity of clean water,” said Okello in an interview.
“Our goal is to ensure equitable access to safe water across Okoro County, starting with Nyapea, Abanga, and Zombo Town Council.”
Zombo District’s water coverage currently stands at 87%, with a functionality rate of 79%. However, hundreds of water points remain non-operational.
According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, 308 boreholes have been abandoned for over five years.
The project’s impact has already been felt in Ngia Village, where residents welcomed the revival of a borehole dormant for more than three years.
“This is a big win for us,” said Galdhino Angala, the village LCI Chairperson.
“We are grateful to Okello for responding to our cries.”
Local resident Loise, visibly excited, praised the restoration for coming at a time when many were relying on unsafe water sources.
“We had no choice but to fetch water from contaminated streams. This borehole will save lives,” she said, adding, “Okello will be a strong leader who can also help advocate for our poor roads if elected.”
Jerose Thongeya, 65, also shared her gratitude:
“We’ve waited for years. I once fell sick from the dirty water. I’m thankful that my grandchildren will now grow up with safe drinking water.”
Each borehole rehabilitation costs approximately UGX 400,000, and efforts have also commenced in Abanga, Zombo, and other Nyapea sub-counties.
Zombo District, home to over 273,000 people, is largely rural. While some sub-counties like Jangokoro boast water access rates of up to 95%, others such as Athuma lag behind at just 56%.
Okello, a social worker by profession, emphasized that his focus is on service delivery over politics.
“Water is life, and access to it should not be a privilege,” he said. “We’re doing this because our people deserve better.”
His efforts also complement the district’s broader water development initiatives, including the construction of 20 new boreholes in Atyak, Kango, Jangokoro, and Abanga sub-counties. Over the past four years, the Ministry of Water and Environment has injected over UGX 3 billion into Zombo District’s water infrastructure.
As Okello positions himself for the NRM ticket in the upcoming Okoro County parliamentary race, he joins a competitive lineup that includes incumbent MP Gabriel Okumu, Sam Kumakech, Denis Orera, and Joseph Sabiti.
For now, his work to restore these critical water sources is creating ripples of hope and clean water in communities that have waited far too long.
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