Pader authorities probe vandalism of shs 370million solar water system

20 September 2024, 10:55

By Lakomekec Kinyera

The Pader District Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism of the recently installed solar-powered water pipe systems in Porogali sub-county. The project, which was installed in 2023 by Swong Engineering Limited, was funded by the Ministry of Water and Environment to address water shortages in four villages in Dure parish, Pader district.

Speaking to the press, the Pader District Police Commander, SP Jackson Bogere, confirmed the investigation had commenced. “We are committed to identifying the individuals responsible for the destruction of this vital water project. It was meant to improve the lives of the residents, and such acts of vandalism cannot be tolerated,” Bogere stated.

The pipe water system was commissioned by the Pader District Local Government at a contract sum of 370 million Uganda shillings, with a two-month project period. The contract was handed over to Swong Engineering Limited on April 28, 2023, and the completed water system was officially handed back to the district on July 8, 2023.

Mr. Patrick Olanya, the Pader District Water Officer, earlier confirmed the quality of the work done by Swong Engineering Limited. “The contractor fulfilled all requirements, and the work was completed within the agreed contract period,” Olanya remarked. He added that the district would closely monitor the water system for six months. “We will ensure that the system remains functional during this time. I also want to disclose that there are plans to extend the project in a second phase to cover four more villages in Dure parish,” he revealed in 2023.

The system was designed to serve four villages, helping to alleviate a long-standing water shortage in the area. Upon its commissioning, residents expressed gratitude. Denis Okema, a resident of Dure parish, was optimistic about the benefits the project would bring. “We appreciate the Pader District Local Government for extending the pipe water system close to us. This will greatly reduce the water shortage that has affected four villages for years,” Okema said.

However, the relief was short-lived as news of the vandalism emerged, leaving the community frustrated.

Former Porogali sub-county councilor V and current Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC), Mr. Robert Komakech Obina, voiced his concerns about the damage. “The pipe water in Porogali Trading Center was first established during the IDP camp. We are still working to find ways to rehabilitate it and expand its reach to serve a wider population,” Obina stated. He called on the community to remain calm as the district seeks solutions.

The total funding for the project amounted to Shs 370 million, but the recent acts of vandalism have rendered the system inoperable, once again plunging the villages into a water crisis.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Pader, Milton Odongo, strongly condemned the vandalism. “This is a government project intended to improve the lives of our people. The local community must take ownership of such developments to protect them. It’s disheartening to see such a useful project destroyed,” he remarked.

Odongo also confirmed that arrests had been made, but he declined to reveal the identities of the suspects. “We have arrested known individuals in connection with the vandalism, but we will not disclose their names at this stage,” he said.

There is suspicion that the vandalism may be linked to a dispute over land ownership. SP Bogere noted that the land where the water system is located may belong to a private individual. “We have received reports that the land in question is privately owned. It’s possible that the owner is involved in the vandalism out of frustration, but investigations are still ongoing,” Bogere added.

The police also criticised the local Water User Committee for not reporting the incident earlier. “The committee overseeing the water system failed to act when the damage occurred. This delay has caused further hardship for the residents,” said SP Bogere.

He urged local leaders and residents to work together to protect government projects. “It is the responsibility of everyone in the community to ensure that public infrastructure remains intact. Any damage or suspicious activity should be reported to the authorities immediately,” Bogere emphasised.