Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has pledged to address the acute water shortage that has hit schools in Teso North, Samia and Bunyala sub counties.
The legislator has launched water harvesting programs which target to keep students in class as opposed to wasting precious time on the road in search for water.
“This is part of my commitment to ensuring sufficient supply of water to both local communities and public facilities across the county. Learners must get humble time to focus on their studies just like their peers in institutions with a good environment,” noted Omanyo.
Omanyo who spoke when she issued water tanks to 5 schools across the county that were worst hit including; Kolanya Girls and Boys schools, St. Joseph Primary Busia, Busibwabo and Namboboto Boys Secondary schools.
“Through NGAAF, I have delivered a 10,000-litre water tank to schools. The tank will serve the school and the community by preserving water. Water harvesting is the way to go in areas around Samia and Teso North,” she added.
Despite their proximity to Lake Victoria and River Malakisi, the two subcounties have constantly faced water shortage forcing school going student to walk many kilometers to fetch water which is risky and time consuming.
More than 60 per cent of the residents of Busia County have no access to clean and safe water, especially those in the remote villages.
According to the report by BUWASCO. Samia and Teso North sub counties are leading in water shortage at 80 percent.
“Water is life and it is more crucial to make sufficient budgetary allocation towards ensuring its availability,” she said.
Growing water demand and water scarcity have turned into a prominent challenge to livelihoods in several parts worldwide.
Global warming, water pollution, population growth, urbanization, and poor management of water resources have aggravated the issue of the water crisis.
“Water scarcity affects socio-economic activities, food security, education, health, and intensity of climate change, thus the need for urgent intervention at the county and national level,” added Omanyo.
Omanyo took the opportunity to continue championing the supply of sanitary towels program to keep girls in school even as she distributed cheques to women groups to empower them in efforts to mitigate cases of GBV in the county.
This comes weeks after the MP in the company of presidential advisor on gender Harriet Chiggai’s visit to Busia County prompted by the need for women’s economic empowerment, and the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the county.
By Absalom Namwalo
