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This project, funded by UK Export Finance and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment, aims to provide a reliable water supply to the villages of Ojibari in Ajia sub-county and Sungulu in Vurra sub-county, which have long suffered from acute water shortages.
Arua district water officer, Patrick Odongo, explained that Nexus Green Limited has been contracted to complete the project within six months. The project design includes the construction of two pump station houses, reservoir tanks, Ecosan toilets, and the installation of 72 solar panels to power the water system.
Jacob Anguajibi, the LC3 Chairperson of Ajia, welcomed the development, noting that the new water system would significantly address domestic issues in the area. He explained that water scarcity often forced women to travel long distances to collect water, leading to delays that some husbands misinterpreted as secret love affairs, contributing to domestic tension.
Residents, like Jenifer Ayikoru from Ojibari village in Ajia sub-county, expressed relief, having previously struggled with water shortages and been forced to share water sources with animals. Harriet Ederu, an environmental health officer at the Ministry of Water and Environment, urged residents and leaders to take responsibility for monitoring the construction to ensure the project’s success and value for money.
Arua District LC V Chairperson, Alfred Okuonzi, emphasized the need for quality work and adherence to the project’s timeline to ensure effective service delivery for residents. He cautioned the contractor to deliver the project within the stipulated period, ensuring it meets the community’s needs.
Arua district currently has 1,659 domestic water points, with 212 of them non-functional for over five years, according to the water supply atlas. This new solar-powered water project aims to address this gap, offering a sustainable and clean water source for the affected communities.
