NAKAPIRIPIRIT- Women and children in Karamoja sub-region are being forced to walk for long distances in search of safe water due to acute scarcity.

Ms Anna Ayopo, a resident of Nakayot village in Napak District, last week said most people have to wake up as early as 3am to trek to water sources.

She added that once she gets to the borehole, she has to stand in a long queue for several hours because of the number of people.

Ms Ayopo said most of the rivers that flow from Napak hills have dried up following intense drought.

“Getting water for cooking, bathing, washing clothes and drinking has become rather difficult for several families. I appeal to government to provide rain water harvesting facilities to the residents when the rains begin,” said Ms Ayopo.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) public relations officer, Mr Booker Ajuoga, said Napak District is the most affected.

Mr Ajuoga attributed the water shortage to the persistent dry spell that has affected the water table.
He said about 4,000 people have migrated from their homes to Didiit, Kalokosi, Nakapei, and Loolam in search of water.

“Most boreholes have had their water level reducing in Karamoja sub-region as a result of the excessive heat, causing untold evaporation. The springs and streams have dried up, posing danger to the people,” said Mr Ajuoga.

Mr Musa Lowot, the Moroto District water officer, called for urgent intervention by government and other partners to address water problems in the semi-arid sub-region.

Source: Daily Monitor