By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
Mbarara
Mbarara City is facing a severe challenge with the deteriorating raw water quality in River Rwizi, a critical source of water for the region. According to Mbaine Julius Mugisha, PRO of Mbarara Greater NWSC Area, the water quality values in River Rwizi have taken a turn for the worse with the onset of the first rains after a dry spell.
The heavy rainfall in the river’s catchment districts has resulted in significant runoff, carrying and depositing large amounts of silt into the river. This has severely impacted the quality of water produced, making it challenging for the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to meet acceptable minimum parameters.
Despite the challenges, NWSC’s water quality control teams are working tirelessly to ensure that the waterquality meets the required standards. However, the situation highlights the need for collective responsibility in maintaining the buffer zone along the river and protecting the catchment area from encroachment.
The Regional Principal water Quality Control Officer – Western and South Western Region Jackie Sparks told our reporter that the cost of water treatment has shot high due to the poor quality of water. She not that they are currently tapping the mud to ceive out water which requires a lot of chemicals to get a clear filtrate for consumption. She apologized for the poor water quality which could have come to people’s tanks when they had a breakdown on the main pump in June.
She however noted that they can never have pure water like bottled mineral water because they use ultra filtration technique which is a bit costly and may affect the consumer with high water tariffs.
Sparks called upon the public to always reach out to any of the NWSC branches or staffs in case the quality of water does not meet their standards.
She also added that NWSC is not an enforcement body, so they cannot start evicting people who are using the banks of river Rwizi but they always partner with other stakeholders in mass sensitization about wetland conservation.
In a positive development, the Abahumuzza Development Group recently organized the 3rd Edition of Save River Rwizi 2024, a campaign aimed at revamping the natural state of the river. The event saw various development partners commit to joining hands in the effort to protect the river.
NWSC has commended the team spirit and called for continued collaboration to address the issue. The corporation appeals to development partners responsible for maintaining the buffer zone to sensitize the masses and ensure that those encroaching on the river catchment area vacate willingly.
The deteriorating raw water quality in River Rwizi is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention and collective action to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s water supply.
