Uproar as thugs vandalize multimillion water facility in Zombo

Zombo: In a disturbing turn of events, unknown thieves have vandalized and stolen key components from a government-established water facility in Zeu Sub-County, Zombo District.

The facility, developed in collaboration with the UK-based company Nexus Green, was intended to improve access to clean water for the local population.

The incident, which occurred during the early hours of November 11, has left the community in shock, with locals speculating that the perpetrators may have been individuals returning from night discos. The vandals dismantled vital equipment, including water meters, causing significant disruption to the water supply in the area.

The multimillion-shilling water project is located in Lor-Ora village, Lor Central Parish, Zeu Sub-County, and has been a source of hope for local residents who had previously relied on unsafe, unprotected water sources.

The project includes the establishment of a pump house, water system, guard house, fencing, toilet facilities, and two 200-million-liter water tanks, with an estimated value of about UGX 700 million.

Community outrage

Roy Masendi, the district councillor for Zeu Sub-County, confirmed the theft and expressed deep disappointment over the incident. He appealed to the community for any information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits. Masendi also called on the government to expedite the commissioning of the facility so that the local community could take full charge of its maintenance.

“We are so disappointed in what happened here,” Masendi told this publication. “Unknown people vandalized the water equipment and went away with critical parts like water meters. We call upon the people to be on the lookout so that we can arrest those responsible.”

The theft has compounded the already-existing water shortages in the area. “We had already started benefiting from the water here, but now, with the equipment broken and dismantled, we will likely be without water for some time,” Masendi lamented.

A promise turned sour

The project had been seen as a long-awaited solution to water scarcity in Zeu, where residents had struggled for years to access safe water.

Rose Acanda, a resident of Lor Trading Centre, expressed her frustration, saying, “We used to struggle to get water from far-off areas. Now, we had water at our doorstep, and someone wants to take us back.”

Local leaders and residents are devastated, as the project was meant to improve public health by providing clean water, which would have reduced the spread of waterborne diseases.

Francis Bolingo, the district councillor of Athuma Sub-County and a member of the District Production Committee, also condemned the vandalism. He urged the authorities to enhance security around the facility to prevent further damage and loss. “Such incidents are not only disruptive but also costly. They divert vital resources that could be better used to expand access to clean water in other parts of the district,” he said.

Bruno Mananu Obomba, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Zombo, assured the public that an investigation was underway and that those responsible for the vandalism would be brought to justice. “We can’t tolerate this kind of behavior, especially when it concerns a facility that is already helping the community,” Mananu stated in a telephone interview.

While Nexus Green officials were unavailable for comment at press time, the investigation into the theft is ongoing. The local authorities have promised swift action to ensure the culprits are held accountable for their actions.

Zombo District has faced significant challenges in providing clean water to its rural population, with water access rates varying from 56% in Athuma Sub-County to 95% in Jangokoro Sub-County.

Over 300 water points in the district have been non-functional for more than five years, and the region has only eight piped water schemes, which are stretched thin due to increasing demand.

The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with the Development Facility-North, is working to extend piped water supply and sanitation facilities in Zombo Town Council. However, incidents like the theft of this water facility continue to hinder progress, increasing the financial burden on the community and government.

As the investigation continues, residents are hoping for swift justice and the restoration of their much-needed water supply.

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