MPs Call for More Funding for Water Access

MPs Call for More Funding for Water Access

Water Hygiene & Sanitation Forum Concerned with Deficit of Clean Water.

By Adiga Julius

Legislators on the Parliamentary Forum on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene have asked the government of Uganda to increase funding for water and Sanitation issues.

MPs believe it will ensure that Ugandans live in a healthy environment and help to fight infectious diseases like Ebola.

During WASH Symposium 2022 attended by environment and climate change experts  , Members of Parliament, development partners, and members of the Civil Society, among others members of Parliament vowed to stage a spirited fight to ensure government allocates more funds towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities.

The call for more Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation facilities in Schools and other public places stood tall in the discussion.

Yunia Musaazi the Executive Director of Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) stressed that safely managed WASH services are essential in preventing and protecting human health during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current Ebola. She noted that one of the effective ways to prevent diseases is through strengthening the primary public health infrastructure including WASH.

The chairperson of the parliamentary committee of Natural Resources Emmanuel Otaala expressed concerns over the huge deficit of clean water across the county which stands at 40% and called for immediate action.

Dr. Emmanuel Otaala Chairperson Committee of Natural Resources Legislators have pledged to take on the government in the next financial year budget to find an extension of WASH services, saying  government has abandoned the duty of repairing and distributing of Bore Holes to Members of Parliament.