GULU RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT POOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM AS RAIN RESUMES
Recently, Gulu City Council received 100.1 million shillings under the Community Challenge Environment Fund (CECF) for the Oitinos water catchment project.
By Christopher Nyeko
GULU: Residents of the Industrial Area cell, Library Ward, in Bardege Layib Division in Gulu City have raised concern over the poor drainage system in their area.
Speaking to this online publication, the area vice chairperson, Ms. Adong Sandra, said that the poor drainage system in her area has thrown locals into fear as rain has resumed.
She said that the majority of the water channels passing through her area currently are filled with plastic materials and sand, which are being carried to her area by the running water, thereby diverting water to get into people’s houses.
‘’Residents are now fearing a surge in malaria cases due to the presence of logging water serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. We are anticipating a cholera outbreak if authorities fail to address the challenges urgently,’’ Ms. Adong said.
Ms. Apiyo Nancy, a market vendor at Cerelemo Market, said she finds difficulties accessing her home when it rains due to stagnant water, adding that her young child sometimes plays in the contaminated water, which is prone to diseases.
‘’We are at risk of contracting diseases, more so my young child since he plays in the contaminated water in my absence, which is prone to diseases. We are appealing to the authorities to address the challenges urgently,’’ she said.
The Gulu City Mayor, Mr. Okwonga Alfred, said that they are battling with the challenge of managing solid wastes as drainage systems are blocked mostly during the rainy season.
Okwanga requested the residents to remain calm, citing that the Gulu City Council has a plan to rectify all the failed drainage systems as rain resumes.
‘’There is also a need to conserve the environment and dispose of plastic waste in safe places. Most drainage systems in the city are blocked as a result of the floating plastic wastes, which are a danger to our environment,’’ he said.
Recently, Gulu City Council received 100.1 million shillings under the Community Challenge Environment Fund (CECF) for the Oitinos water catchment project.
The fund is meant for empowering the local people neighboring Oitino Stream to disable destructive economic activities prone to causing flooding in the city.
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