Written By | Jovita Hasto
Officials led by the senior presidential advisor supervise water project works in Ibanda district. [Photo by Jovita Hasto]
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IBANDA
Residents in Ibanda and Kazo districts have called on the government to expedite the completion of the Kikyenkye–Nyabuhikye Gravity Flow Scheme, a Shs 21 billion water project launched in 2018 by President Yoweri Museveni. The project was intended to address persistent water shortages and serve 1,288 households, benefiting an estimated population of between 135,000 and 210,000 people. The beneficiaries include residents in Kikyenkye, Nyabuhikye, Igorora, Nsasi, and Keihangara in Ibanda District, as well as parts of Kiruhura District, including Kanoni, Kazo, and Kinoni.
Implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, construction works began under Block Technical Services and were scheduled for completion in December 2025. However, the project remains incomplete, largely due to cash flow challenges.
According to Duncan Kangwagye, the site supervisor based in Igorora Town Council, the project is currently at 93 percent completion. Most of the key infrastructure—including storage tanks, water treatment facilities, clear water tanks, a pump house, laboratory, and offices—has already been constructed.
Kangwagye attributed the delays partly to changes in the project scope, which expanded the number of beneficiary households during implementation.
“Initially, the project was meant to serve 88 households, but the scope was later expanded to include an additional 1,200 households. This required more work, including the construction of additional distribution and intensification lines,” he explained.
He noted that over 75 kilometres of distribution lines have already been laid, supplying sub-counties such as Kikyenkye and Keihangara in Ibanda, as well as reservoir tanks in Nsasi and Kanoni in Kazo District.
Reserver tanks under construction for Gravity flow Scheme project in Igorora Town Council in Ibanda
Currently, the project is expected to benefit Keihangara and Kikyenkye sub-counties, Igorora Town Council, and parts of Kiruhura District.
Kangwagye added that 410 households have so far been connected to the system. However, some critical components, including the backwash system for the water treatment plant, are still incomplete.
“We are yet to construct parts of the backwash system. Some materials were also stolen, but replacements have been ordered and will be installed once delivered,” he said.
He emphasized that delayed funding remains the biggest challenge.
“The main issue affecting progress is cash flow. If funds were released on time, the project would have already been completed and handed over for commissioning,” Kangwagye added.
He further explained that site teams depend on procurement from headquarters for materials.
“We prepare budgets and submit them to procurement, then wait for supplies. Without materials, work cannot proceed,” he said.
Senior Presidential Advisor Kibrai Ambako, who recently visited the site to assess government projects, acknowledged the funding constraints but expressed optimism.
“The work here is promising. The contractors are only waiting for funds to complete the remaining connections, after which water supply will begin. The problem has been identified and will be addressed,” Ambako said.
Igorora Town Council Clerk, John Baptist Mujuni, urged residents to remain patient.
“Water shortages have been a long-standing issue here, but once the Ministry of Water resolves the remaining challenges, residents will be connected,” he said.
However, some residents say they have waited too long. Master John, a resident of Ibanda District, expressed frustration over the delays.
“This project was launched in 2018, but up to now, many of us have not received water. Pipes have been installed, but there is no water flowing. Some people have access, but many still do not,” he said.
Residents are now urging the government to release the necessary funds to ensure the project is completed and water is finally supplied to all intended beneficiaries.
Torch Media Africa
