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In a shocking act of vandalism, unknown criminals have dismantled and stolen vital components of a water facility recently constructed by the Government of Uganda in partnership with UK-based Nexus Green.

The incident occurred in the early hours of November 11 at the facility located in Lor-Ora village, Lor Central Parish, Zeu Sub-County, Zombo District.

The facility, a multi-million shilling project, was designed to supply clean water to the local communities, who had previously relied on unprotected sources. Residents suspect the perpetrators are individuals returning from nighttime gatherings, specifically those coming from local discos.

Zeu Sub-County District Councillor Roy Masendi confirmed the theft, urging the community to cooperate with law enforcement by providing any information that could lead to the culprits’ capture. He further appealed to the government to officially commission the facility so that the community could take full responsibility for its protection.

“We, the residents of Zeu Sub-County, are deeply disappointed by what happened here. Unknown individuals vandalised the water facility, stealing crucial parts such as the water meter. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and help us apprehend those responsible,” Councillor Masendi told this publication in an interview.

Community Outcry and Concerns

The vandalism has severely disrupted the water supply in Zeu Sub-County, an area that had only just begun to experience the benefits of the newly installed facility.

“We had already started using the water, but with the equipment broken, we are now left without access again,” Masendi added.

Rose Acanda, a resident of Lor Trading Centre, voiced her frustration, saying, “We struggled for years to collect water from far-off sources, and now that it’s available close to home, someone has destroyed it, putting us back to square one.”

The facility, valued at approximately UGX 700 million, includes critical infrastructure such as a pump house, water system, security fencing, toilet facilities, and two 200-million-litre water tanks. Its construction has been a source of hope for the local community, which for decades has relied on contaminated water sources, putting their health at risk.

Francis Bolingo, District Councillor for Athuma Sub-County and a member of the district’s production committee expressed his dismay at the incident and urged for enhanced security at the facility.

Official Investigations Underway

Bruno Mananu Obomba, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, assured the public that investigations were underway and that those responsible would be held accountable.

“There is an active investigation in place, and those responsible will be brought to justice. This facility was set up to benefit the community, and we cannot tolerate such acts of sabotage,” Obomba stated in a phone interview.

Efforts to reach representatives from Nexus Green for comment were unsuccessful by press time.

Public Health and Financial Burden

Community leaders have highlighted the far-reaching consequences of such vandalism, noting that it not only disrupts essential services but also creates unnecessary financial burdens on public resources, diverting funds that could otherwise improve water access and sanitation facilities in other parts of Zombo District.

Beyond financial concerns, the destruction of public infrastructure jeopardises public health and safety, leaving residents without access to clean water and increasing their risk of waterborne diseases.

The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with Development Facility-North, has been working to extend piped water supply and sanitation facilities to Zombo Town Council and surrounding areas.

Currently, water access rates in the district vary, from 56% in Athuma Sub-County to 95% in Jangokoro Sub-County, with Zombo hosting 1,472 domestic water points serving a population of 273,138, predominantly in rural areas.

However, 308 water points have been non-functional for over five years and are considered abandoned.

As Zombo District looks forward to more sustainable water supply solutions, community members and local leaders remain hopeful for swift justice and restoration of the damaged facility.