Summary:

• Luwero Town Council faces skyrocketing water prices due to a recent water crisis, forcing residents to rely on vendors drawing from boreholes, while the local water utility addresses issues with their pumps; this recurrence follows prior crises caused by inconsistent power supply and adverse weather conditions.

Luwero Town Council is grappling with a surge in water prices, a direct consequence of a recent water crisis that befell the region. This predicament poses a significant hardship for both residents and businesses as they grapple with the challenge of securing water for various needs.

With the taps running dry, individuals are turning to water vendors who draw from boreholes. However, the heightened demand has led to a spike in prices, with the cost of a 20-liter jerry can soaring from 500 to 1,000 Shillings.

Shamim Nakatende, a water vendor, notes that the price depends on the proximity to the borehole. Those near pay 500 Shillings, while those in more distant locations face charges ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 Shillings.

Daniel Mugoya, the Manager of NWSC Luwero Branch, acknowledges an issue with their boreholes and assures that a team is actively addressing the problem to restore normal water supply.

This is not the first time Luwero Town Council has grappled with a water crisis. In September, inconsistent power supply hampered water pumps, leading to inadequate distribution. Subsequently, in October 2021, a faulty motor and intermittent power further exacerbated water shortages due to a widespread power outage caused by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. The resultant collapse of electricity poles and short circuits disrupted power supply to the water pumps, plunging the town into a water crisis affecting various areas.