By KT Reporter
Residents of Rengen sub-county in Kotido District, are struggling to access water. This has forced some of the residents to get water for drinking and domestic use from unprotected sources.
According to the residents, the water scarcity plight escalated last year when the only borehole serving over 150 households in Kotiang parish broke down.
Peter Lokapel a resident of Kaekar East village says that the breakdown has forced residents to trek for over 4 kilometres to the neighboring villages of Nabwalin, Lotoolong or Rengen trading center to access clean drinking water and River Dopeth for water for domestic use.
Lokapel says that the water scarcity has affected mainly women and children who are tasked to provide water for daily use in the family.
Lokidi Denis Nadit, the Kaakuloi village VHT member says the water scarcity has placed the area at risk of contracting a waterborne disease since the locals are relying on water drawn from the river.
Nakong Cecelia, a resident of Lokwakinei village in Kotiang parish says that they have repeatedly voiced their concerns to the leaders at Rengen Sub County to intervene but no action and response has since been taken.
Local Simon the Kakuloi, the LCI Vice Chairperson said the water scarcity in the area forced teachers to subject pupils to carry a 5-litre jerry can of clean water from home for cooking at the school.
Paul Kedi the Kotido district water engineer when contacted acknowledged the water scarcity that has hit the entire district saying that the breakdown rate is high due to several mechanical components citing poor maintenance, overloading, and wear and tear among others.
According to Kedi, Kotido district has 83 non-functional boreholes and the district has budgeted to rehabilitate only 11 boreholes. He adds that they are lobbying for support from development partners to rehabilitate the remaining 72 boreholes-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
