By Alfred Opio
Residents of Pallisa Town Council have raised serious concerns over the declining quality of piped water supplied to their homes, warning that the situation poses potential health risks and is placing an added financial burden on households.
Several water users say the current supply is no longer suitable for domestic use, forcing families to boil water more frequently or spend extra money on alternative sources of safe drinking water.
Stephen Ojanjole, a resident in the area, expressed frustration over the hardness of the water, noting that it has made everyday household tasks increasingly difficult.
❝ “The water is very hard. You use a lot of soap, but it doesn’t lather properly. It leaves stains on utensils and even affects our skin.” ❞
— Stephen Ojanjole
Another resident, Clement Apuru, pointed to visible impurities in the water, raising concerns about its safety for human consumption.
❝ “Sometimes when you fetch the water, you can clearly see particles in it. We don’t know what they are or how they may affect our health.” ❞
— Clement Apuru
The complaints reflect a growing anxiety within the community, with some residents reporting stomach discomfort they suspect could be linked to the poor water quality, although no official medical confirmation has been issued.
In response, Pallisa District Water Manager Diana Asego acknowledged the problem and apologized to residents, assuring them that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.
❝ “We apologize for the inconvenience caused. The poor water quality is largely due to the condition of the lake from which the water is sourced.” ❞
— Diana Asego
Asego explained that changes in the water source have affected the treatment process, leading to the current challenges. However, she revealed that the district is already planning interventions to improve the situation.
❝ “We are planning to change the lake where we draw water from to ensure cleaner and safer supply.” ❞
— Diana Asego
She also noted that adjustments will be made to the chemicals used in water treatment, particularly those responsible for softening the water, to improve its quality and suitability for household use.
Despite these assurances, residents are urging authorities to act quickly and maintain open communication about progress. Many emphasized that access to clean and safe water is a basic necessity that should not be compromised.
Local leaders have also called for increased investment in water infrastructure and regular monitoring to prevent similar issues in the future, especially as the town continues to grow.
For now, the community remains hopeful that the planned interventions will restore water quality and rebuild confidence in the piped water system in Pallisa Town Council.
