New bill on rainwater harvesting

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The House has granted Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament Apollo Ofwono Yeri leave to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled, “The Rainwater (Harvesting and Storage) Bill”.The MP presented the motion seeking leave to introduce the Bill during plenary sitting on Oct. 11.

The draft Bill provides for mandatory harvesting and storage of rainwater, to conserve, establish, maintain and manage rainwater harvesting systems and facilities in Uganda.

In his justification, Hon. Yeri said that there is need to put in place appropriate mechanisms to address the issue of drought and flooding, especially by taking advantage of the rainy seasons when the water is in plenty. “During rainy season, rainwater causes flooding especially in urban areas where the drainage systems are not well maintained,” said Yeri.

He added that harvesting and storing rainwater will augment the water needs of the people of Uganda while at the same time minimising flooding.