Water shortage hits Popondetta town
The National, Copyright 2000
November 16, 2000
By BETSY INUWAI
RESIDENTS in and around Popondetta town in Northern province who receive water from the main works and supply dam may go without water for some time.
The problem came about after a heavy flood from Bangoho river washed away the entire dam that was used to supply water to the residents in town.
Acting manager for Waterboard in Popondetta Dominic Bino said this could go on for about two weeks if the heavy rain continued in the province.
He said it would take only five days to rebuild the dam if the rain stopped or slowed down, however if it continued to rain then work would be delayed.
People living within the town said there was no water all around town so many of those that did not have water tanks around their houses had to go without washing, cooking or drinking water for the day.
Both Ressurrection and Popondetta Primary schools had to cancel classes and the children were sent home as early as 10am.
Acting education advisor in Popondetta Mesia Novau said that the Education Department had advised all headmasters to suspend classes because the problem could be a health hazard.
He said by this he meant that if students remained at school they would use the toilets, and that would not possible without water.
Business houses in the town said the problem affected those fast-food shops that did not have water tanks to cook food for sale and to wash up the dishes after use.
Those businesses with water tanks experienced little inconvenience.
Meanwhile, Embogo high school on the outskirts of Popondetta town was flooded with water from the Embogo river early yesterday morning.
Reports said the water was knee high forcing the students to be repatriated to Popondetta Secondary school.
Mr Novau said there were still puddles and ponds of water in some parts of the school that had not dried up yet.
He said classes for more than 200 students who attended the high school had been cancelled till next year.
This was because there was no guaranteed when the rain would stop.