Makerere Kikoni Water shortage Crisis: Residents at a high risk of water Born diseases.
3 min read
Makerere Kikoni, a bustling neighborhood closely tied to Makerere University, is facing a serious water shortage crisis that has persisted for over a week. This situation poses an increasing risk of waterborne diseases for the area’s dense population of students and residents.
Kikoni, known for its numerous hostels catering to Makerere University students, has been grappling with an acute lack of water supply, leaving many without access to clean water. The shortage has affected hundreds of fresher students who have recently arrived to begin their academic journey.
“It’s really been tough,” says Anita Nsubuga, a first-year student at Makerere University. “I moved into my hostel just a few days ago, and we’ve barely had any water since. We constantly have to go out and buy bottled water, which is expensive and not always sustainable. The lack of clean water is stressful, and we’re worried about the possibility of falling ill.”
A local resident, Julius Kato, expresses similar concerns. “Water shortages are not new to us, but this one is particularly severe. Many of us are dependent on the same sources as the students, and now we’re all struggling. I’ve seen people collecting water from unsafe sources, and this increases the risk of diseases like cholera and dysentery. It’s a serious public health concern.”
According to Jane Kanyike, a local council leader, the situation is dire. “We’ve been in touch with the relevant authorities, but the problem persists. Our immediate concern is ensuring that people have access to clean water. We’re also working on a long-term solution to prevent such issues in the future. In the meantime, we urge everyone to be cautious and use water purification methods if necessary. The risk of waterborne diseases is high, and we need to act quickly to protect our community.”
The water shortage has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by both new students and long-time residents. As the situation continues, the community is calling for urgent intervention to restore the water supply and implement measures to safeguard against potential health risks.
Residents and students alike hope for a swift resolution to this crisis and are appealing for support from local authorities and National water authorities to mitigate the impact of the water shortage on their daily lives.
Report Compiled by Amos Ssemuwemba
