Borehole restoration brings relief to Okwir parish thanks to Dr Apio

8 August 2025, 6:23 pm

By Eman yonah oruk

Residents of Akot Cwee and Abera Bwot B villages in Okwir Parish, Iceme Sub county, are celebrating the long-awaited repair of two boreholes that had been non-functional for over two years.

At the repair event, area councillor Richard Otika of Okwir Parish, speaking on behalf of Dr Eunice Apio Otuku, reaffirmed his dedication to the community. He emphasised that, as a leader who listens and acts, he could not ignore the cries of his people, which compelled him to advocate for the repairs. Otika stressed that the initiative was non-political and commended Dr Apio for her hands-on support, describing her as a leader who understands the struggles of her people and responds with timely solutions.

Jimmy Odongo, LC1 chairperson of Abera Bwot B village, reflected on the prolonged water crisis, noting that previous leaders had hesitated to address the issue. He expressed hope that the days of drinking contaminated water are now behind them, thanks to Dr Apio’s transformative efforts. He also encouraged residents to contribute towards minor repairs to ensure the boreholes remain functional.

Milly Ogwang, LC1 chairperson of Akot Cwee, expressed deep gratitude to Dr Apio, likening her to a nurturing mother who truly understands the needs of her children. She called on the people of Oyam North to rally behind Dr Apio in her parliamentary bid, highlighting her consistent delivery of development initiatives that meet the electorate’s expectations.

Mzee Terencio Onaka Oburo, a resident of Abera Bwot B, thanked Dr Apio for rescuing the community from reliance on worm-infested water. He urged fellow residents to support her leadership, contrasting her proactive approach with others who make promises but fail to deliver.

Imat Silvia Abwoli, a senior member of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), emphasised the disproportionate burden the broken borehole had placed on women, including increased exposure to domestic violence due to long journeys to fetch water.

Other residents of Akot Cwee shared their experiences, recounting the hardships endured during the borehole’s downtime. These included consuming water shared with animals, rising cases of diarrhoea, and domestic tensions. They praised Dr Apio’s intervention, which they say has restored dignity, health, and hope to their community.