By Saidi Engola
JF Well Works Africa, a non-governmental organization, has made significant strides in providing clean water in Oyam District, Uganda, having constructed over 365 boreholes that serve the community. According to Vincent Odil, the assistant program officer, these boreholes, valued at 5,475,000,000 shillings, have benefited more than 4,820 people across 12 sub-counties in Oyam.
Odil highlighted the sub-counties with the most boreholes: Iceme (61 boreholes), Aleka (26), and Otwal (29). Each borehole, costing approximately 15 million shillings, includes the necessary materials for construction. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting water sources, urging stakeholders to establish village water committees.
Terence Omonya, the chairman of LC III in Kamdini Sub-County, revealed that each household contributed Shs 1,000 towards the construction of the boreholes in their respective villages. Village chairpersons collected these funds and submitted them to the sub-counties for further processing.
Omonya noted specific needs for additional boreholes: Juma Parish requires six new boreholes, while Zambia, Ocini, and Pukica parishes each need two. He called on the community to discourage children from fetching water and to ensure proper maintenance of the water points.
In addition, Patrick Ogwang Obura, the incoming Member of Parliament for Oyam South Constituency, has partnered with Pioneer Evangelist Africa Mission, an NGO, to advocate for the drilling of over 100 new boreholes and the repair of broken ones. This initiative reflects a collective commitment to improving access to clean water and enhancing the health and well-being of the community in Oyam District.