BY JOACKIM KULE
Kasese District Local Government has launched the construction works of a water dam in Nyakatonzi Sub-county.
The dam which was launched yesterday is aimed at enabling cattle farmers to access water for both livestock and crop growing.
The project named “Water Transmission Line” extended from River Nyamughasana, will be constructed in Nyamugasani Parish at a tune of shillings more than 311 million.
The funds to implement the project have been secured from the United Nations Capital Development Fund, under the Local Climate Adaptive Facility (LoCAL) program.
Kasese District Assistant Engineer, Alphose Katswamba, told the community members during the launch that the dam they were intending to construct would help to address the challenge of water scarcity for the animals which had left the farmers lose their livestock every sunny season.
According to Katswamba, the dam will accommodate an estimated 80,000-liter water tank and two cattle drinking troughs.
However, Katswamba noted that the water would not be safe for human consumption since it tested and discovered that it was having bacteria.
Jerevesious Monday Bwambale, the outgoing Kasese District Vice Chairperson, noted that council was concerned about the rate at which herds of cattle were dying off, forcing them to earmark on using the money to construct the dam to mitigate the animal death rate.
Betty Karoko, the Kasese District Secretary for Production and Marketing who also doubles as the Woman Councilor representing Nyakatonzi Sub-county and Kinyamaseke Town Council, welcomed the project.
She, however, noted that other places were also facing the same challenge that needs redress.
The residents welcomed the project, noting that it would relieve them from the challenges that they have been undergoing while taking their animals to the river via the national park.
ENDS