By Derrick Omoding
The Vice President Maj. Rtd. Jessica Rose Alupo has cautioned the water regulatory authorities, Ministry of water, Uganda water and sewerage Cooperation to stop hiking water tariffs especially in rural communities.
She yesterday sounded a tough warning from Olilim Town board, Palam Sub – County in Katakwi district where she was commissioning the wash facilities worthy 3.5 Billion, constructed by Welt Hunger Hilfe, the American Organization operating in Teso Sub – Region.
Alupo expressed her disappointment to the water authorities considering the fact that the water coverage in the upcountry rural communities is wanting.
“It has come to my attention that the people in rural settings are always overcharged by the money collectors of water, lets be considerate of our people especially the disadvantaged ones in remote areas”, she said.
adding, “I have received several reports especially in areas where there is piped water, and my office is already in touch with the Attorney general over these matter. any official found extorting money from the locals by hiking tariffs shall face our axe”.
Katakwi district faces the challenge of inadequate government funding to ensure proper water coverage across the 109 parishes in 20 Sub – Counties however, the development Partners have come in to rescue the vulnerable communities by rapidly constructing and rehabilitating boreholes in order to secure the clean water for households.
Eseza Lydia Apio the Katakwi district Water officer said that with mega funds sent by government, the district had been grappling with a huge water crisis as women could trek from as far as six kilometers in search of clean water.