A long time broken Borehole in Otce sub county Moyo district

By Anyidi Emmanuel

Moyo 

Access to safe and clean water in Moyo District Local Government has steadily increased from 70% to 78% in the FY 2024/2025, surpassing the national average of 65%. However, in Otce Sub-county, residents continue to suffer due to water scarcity, raising fears of water-related diseases.

This concern came to light during the commemoration of the belated World Water Day held at Alimo Primary School playground in Otce Sub-county. The event was celebrated under the theme: “Glacier Preservation.”

Ojok Kellie Bran, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Moyo District, appreciated the Government of Uganda and Moyo District Local Government for their significant investment in water. He, however, noted that the low safe and clean water coverage in certain areas could undermine the impact of government interventions.

“Our proceeds—the money we make out of the Parish Development Model (PDM)—are going to be eaten up by medical costs from waterborne diseases. If we are grouped with other sub-counties, we might find that many more of us are sick compared to others,” he said.

According to the District Water Officer, Anyanzo Raymond, Otce Sub-county has a total of 31 boreholes—15 functional and 9 non-functional. Plans are underway to decommission 7 of them due to water quality concerns. “As a result of iron penetration—because of the mountainous nature of the area—the underground substructure keeps changing,” he lamented.

The Local Council III Chairman of Otce Sub-county, Dulu Samuel, has appealed to district stakeholders to extend electricity to a motorized water system run by Worldwide Pipeline, a non-governmental organization. This he said, would increase access to safe and clean water and reduce the high maintenance costs currently burdening the community.

“Repairing the system can cost up to nine million shillings (UGX 9,000,000), which is too expensive for our local community, making it unsustainable. I appeal to the district leadership to consider connecting power from the sub-county headquarters. Once the system is linked to a reliable power source, maintenance becomes easier and more sustainable.”

In the upcoming Financial Year 2025/2026, the district has earmarked six new boreholes to be drilled across various sub-counties. This is aimed at improving access to safe and clean water, as well as enhancing hygiene and sanitation in households and institutions.

World Water Day is observed annually on March 22nd. It is a United Nations day of observance highlighting the importance of freshwater and advocating for its sustainable management.
 

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