Pontius Ezuma, the Chief Warden for the Queen Elizabeth conservation area says they started the initiative after their findings indicating that most water-stressed communities neighbouring the park are sharing water sources with wild animals putting community lives at risk.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
has launched a programme to supply water harvesting tanks to the communities surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Park.
40
water tanks will be given to identified water-stressed communities in Kasese
and other neighbouring districts.
Pontius
Ezuma, the Chief Warden for the Queen Elizabeth conservation area says they
started the initiative after their findings indicated that most water-stressed
communities neighbouring the park are sharing water sources with wild animals
putting community lives at risk.
On Monday a 10,000-liter water
tank was given to the community of Kamuruli parish, Nyakatonzi sub-county and stationed at All Saints Kisungu COU.
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Ezuma noted that with support
from the World Bank, the project will be scaled up to other areas including communities neighbouring Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
The chief warden however wants
the cattle-keeping community to improve their farming by planting animal feeds.
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cattle…
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Rev. Christopher Ajuna, the
Vicar at Nyakatonzi Church of Uganda Parish applauded the initiative noting
that the community has been struggling to get domestic water for use, especially
during the dry spell.
He added that the community has
been unable to acquire items they can use to harvest water during the rainy season.
Evanice Kabanyoro one of the residents says they have been struggling to save water during the wet season and
the community tank will go a long way to aid them store water when it rains.
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ninyowe…
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Peace Birungi, the Chairperson
for Kamuruli Mixed Farmers’ Association commended UWA for its continued support
to the community that is neighbouring the national park.
In addition to the water
harvesting tank, Birungi said UWA also gave them protective gear for honey
harvesting.
