Mityana Residents Endure Weeks Without Water as Costs Soar

Residents of Mityana Municipality are facing a critical water crisis, with the supply cut off for more than two weeks. This prolonged outage has significantly impacted daily life, disrupting businesses, schools, and essential household activities.

The scarcity has led to a sharp increase in the cost of water. A 20-liter jerrycan, previously costing between Shs1,500 and Shs2,000, is now even more expensive, placing a heavy burden on families struggling to meet basic needs.

Many residents report spending hours each day searching for water, diverting time and energy away from income-generating activities. “We have spent more than two weeks without a reliable water supply. The little water available is expensive, and our businesses are suffering,” stated Abdul Musisi, a local resident.

Adding to the frustration, residents accuse authorities of poor communication regarding the water interruptions, with supply cuts occurring without prior notice. “The biggest problem is that the water disappears without any prior notice. We are left stranded and do not know when the situation will improve,” shared Ruth Kabagambe, a businesswoman.

Educational institutions have also been affected, with students losing valuable learning time to fetch water for domestic use. The shortage has hit businesses reliant on a consistent water supply, including restaurants and salons, particularly hard.

Allen Nantambi, the Mityana Area Manager for the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), explained that the crisis is primarily due to persistent electricity outages. “Our water production systems depend entirely on electricity. Frequent power interruptions have greatly affected our ability to pump and distribute sufficient water to consumers,” Nantambi explained, noting that the facility is operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

The NWSC is working on solutions to restore normal supply. However, the situation has reignited calls for investment in alternative power sources and improved water infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.

Residents are urging the NWSC and other authorities for an urgent and lasting solution to the water scarcity, warning of potential public health and economic consequences.

Source: Nile Post