Communities in Arua District are celebrating after the installation of two solar-powered water supply systems, bringing clean, safe water closer to households that for decades relied on distant streams and shallow wells. Residents of Ojibari in Ajia Sub-county and Sungulu in Vurra Sub-county previously faced long, often hazardous walks to fetch water, sometimes sharing wells with animals or relying on rivers that dried up in the dry season.
The new systems, connected to public tap stands, provide running water to homes, schools, and markets. They are part of a national government programme under the Ministry of Water and Environment to install 450 solar-powered water systems across Uganda, funded by UK Export Finance at 32,351 Euros (about 1.3 billion Shillings).
For 78-year-old Esteri Bayo of Oci Village, the project is life-changing. She walked up to three kilometres daily to fetch water. Esteri donated land for the project, hoping to spare her community, especially children and the elderly, the hardship she endured. Residents like Joseph Amati say the systems have eased years of struggle.
In Ajia Sub-county, 2,559 people are expected to benefit directly. Oci Primary School has gained a reservoir and tap stands, improving daily routines and reducing absenteeism, according to Headteacher Robert Draleni.
In Sungulu Village, the system serves 5,049 residents through eight water points. Demand peaks on market days at Ejupala Market, when thousands gather. Area Chairperson Joshua Anguandia says waterborne diseases are declining.
Nexus Green Limited designed and installed the systems. Project Engineer Emmanuel Balwanyi explained that the solar panels power pumps, purification units, and provide security lighting, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
The new installations have increased Arua District’s clean water coverage to 61 percent. Ajia Sub-county alone jumped from 72 percent to 92 percent coverage. District Water Officer Patrick Odongo called the improvement significant for communities long forced to rely on unsafe water sources.
Ministry of Water and Environment Senior PR Officer Noel Muhangi assured residents that the government remains committed to expanding access to safe water. According to the Water Supply Atlas, Arua had 1,659 domestic water points last year, but over 200 had been non-functional for more than five years.
For residents like Esteri and the thousands now drawing water from reliable tap stands, the project is a long-awaited solution promising healthier, safer, and more dignified lives.
