By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
Following the rampant distribution of galvanized iron (GI) borehole pipes in the district of Katakwi by Politicians, the Ministry of Water and Environment has warned Katakwi lawmakers to cease donating phony borehole supplies for borehole rehabilitation in the area.
The warning results from a mess made by some politicians who replaced more durable stainless pipes with galvanized iron pipes that rust after 2 to 3 years, whereas stainless pipes last for more than 6 years.
According to Daniel Emadu, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Rural Water and Sanitation Regional Center II, Ministry of Water and Environment, due to widespread corrosion of galvanized iron pipes and rods, issued a directive in FY 2017/18 directing all districts across the country to use stainless pipes to address the issue of water becoming more acidic and aggressive.
“In 2016, Uganda had 35,896 boreholes, with 5,700 of them employing galvanized iron pipes,” said Emadu”.
Emadu urged all stakeholders to observe water and environmental sector norms in order to avoid becoming victims of a breach.
He made this during a stakeholders meeting which was held on Wednesday 25-9-2024 in Katakwi council hall.
According to Ezasa Lydia Apio, the District Water Officer, the district has around 600 boreholes, 360 of which are equipped with stainless steel pipes and 340 with galvanized iron.
Apio emphasizes that some politicians have replaced long-lasting stainless pipes with short-term galvanized iron (IG) pipes when undertaking rehabilitation, which she says is a disservice to the community and a violation of ministry guidelines.
However, she says the district is not prohibiting politicians from supporting the community, but they must communicate with the district water office and follow ministry procedures.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Katakwi, says they welcome all stakeholders who support water service but must obey guidelines.
Omolo accused some political figures for misinterpreting information and spicing up propaganda, saying the district does not prohibit any political or aspiring candidate from contributing to water services.
“We don’t reject anyone to handle the issue of water but, he/she has to continue getting in touch with water office for proper delivery of work and service to the community,” Omolo said.
Clare Okiror, personal assistant to Hon Andrew Joseph Koluo of Toroma, says that as much as Members of Parliament have fallen victim to galvanized pipes, pressure from electorates demanding a lot from MPs has forced them out of the policy. He asked the district water office to profile both galvanized and stainless boreholes to remedy the issue.
Joseph Isadat, district councilor for Katakwi town council, challenged the political assistants to work with the district water office to implement the necessary rehabilitation of pipes.
Moses Oluka, Health Inspector for Usuk town council, believes the government should support its policy by ceasing production of galvanized iron pipes and rods in order to implement it.
Rtd. Maj. Godfrey Katamba, the RDC Katakwi, states that water is a crucial component in the NRM manifesto, with water and education ranking second, highlighting the need of fulfilling the manifesto by actively servicing the electorates.
In attendance Clare Personal Assistant to Hon Andrew Joseph Koluo, Gabriel Ogele, representative of Daniel Mulalu aspirant of Ngariam county, and Richard Ongoro Usuk county spirant were among the stakeholders who responded to the Wash advocacy meeting held at district chambers Hall by the Ministry of Water and Environment.
However, many politicians have been running for borehole restoration projects; but the stainless policy may put certain politicians in trouble because the cost of stainless pipe is 200,000 and rod is 101,000, but galvanized Iron in the open market is between 60,000 and 70,000 shillings.
