Ministry of water highlights progress in water and environmental projects

30 November 2024, 6:56 pm

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

The Ministry of Water and Environment has presented to the nation the progress made in implementing its mandate, outlining completed projects as well as those still under development.

Among the completed projects is Kyenshama Dam in Mbarara District, which has created a water storage capacity of 3 million cubic meters, serving up to 190,000 heads of cattle throughout the year.

Another key project is Geregere Dam, located in Omot and Lira Palwo in Agago District. Once completed, the dam is expected to create a storage capacity of 1 million cubic meters, serving up to 10,500 heads of cattle annually.

Construction of Kyahi Dam in Gomba District was halted due to land-related challenges. The ministry is currently securing an alternative site for the construction of a communal valley tank to support livestock farmers in the area.

Meanwhile, Ojama Dam in Serere District is still under construction. Upon completion, the dam will have a storage capacity of 3 million cubic meters, serving up to 10,500 heads of cattle throughout the year, thereby increasing income through improved livestock production and productivity.

The ministry also revealed that it is implementing the construction of 500 private valley tanks and 120 communal valley tanks for livestock watering in districts within the cattle corridor, with affirmative action given to selected areas.

So far, the ministry has constructed 134 valley tanks on individual farms, creating a total water storage capacity of 536 million litres, serving about 85,000 heads of cattle annually and employing over 650 people along the value chain.

Regarding environmental management, the ministry said the Waste Management Regulations of 2020 are currently being enforced. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is also developing express penalty, administrative fine, and coercive fine regulations to strengthen the implementation of these rules.

NEMA has also carried out public awareness campaigns on proper waste handling. These include the Taasa Obutonde media campaign, which aims to raise awareness about environmental risks arising from the improper use and disposal of plastics. The campaign is being implemented in partnership with Vivo Energy and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), among others.

Despite these achievements, the ministry acknowledged several challenges affecting its work, including delays in approvals by third parties and development partners. According to officials, the “No Objection” approval process has been one of the major factors slowing the implementation of some activities.

The presentation was delivered by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Alfred Okot Okidi, on behalf of the Minister of Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris.