The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kisoro, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Water consumers in Kisoro district are protesting hiked water fees by agents. Kisoro district is serviced by Chuho water plant, which supplies 2,200,000 liters of water each day.
The plant supplies water to Nyakabande, Nyarusiza, Chahi, Nyakinama,Muramba Sub counties and Kisoro Municipality among others.
The Water and Environment Ministry through National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) advised that locals buy a 20 liter Jerry can of water at Shillings 50.
However, residents complain that agents who won the tender from the NWSC Kisoro branch have increased the price of a 20 liter jerry can to between Shillings 200 and 300.
William Mugabe, a resident of Chanika in Chahi Sub County says that they have been buying water at Shillings 50 from agents.
He however, says they were shocked last month when the agents started selling water at Shillings 200 a jerry can without prior notification to consumers.
Eunice Wimana, another concerned water user from Nyarusiza Sub County, accuses the agents of taking advantage of the hand washing campaign against the spread of the corona virus to increase water fees.
Moses Maniragaba, a resident of Kisoro municipality, says the water price is exorbitant. He wants NWC to investigate the increase and compel agents to revert to the old fees or else they demonstrate.
Annah Ndimurungi is a water agent in Nturo trading center in Nyarusiza Sub County. She explains that they were forced to increase the water fees from Shillings 50 to between Shillings 200 and 300 after NWSC Kisoro branch increased the price of a 20 liter jerry can to shillings 100.
However, Peter Ariho, the NWSC Kisoro Branch refutes the claim, saying they have revised the water fees.
He says it is the role of Local council one chairperson to deal with the water agents because they were given the responsibility.
*******
URN
