Kole, Uganda | Leaders in Kole District have cautioned residents against blocking the activities of the non-governmental organization Link To Progress following demands for compensation over land used for water projects.
The issue arose during the launch of a solar-powered piped water system at Alang Primary School in Okwerodot Sub-county.
The project, constructed by Link To Progress (LTP) in partnership with We Consult and TGS Water Ltd, serves five villages in the sub-county and includes a 10-stance latrine block for pupils.
Alfonse Ocira, LTP Program Officer, noted that some residents whose land hosted water infrastructure are seeking payment.
He clarified that the funds provided for constructing the water system were not intended for land acquisition, adding that discussions are ongoing with sub-county and district authorities to resolve the matter.
Link To Progress has drilled and rehabilitated over 25 boreholes and installed seven solar-powered pumping systems across the district. Key water sources, including one in Alengobir, have pipelines extending to other communities such as Alang, Adakataro, Awiro, and Aola.
However, the owner of the land hosting the main water source has reportedly approached the courts seeking compensation after local negotiations failed.
Patricia Ajok Alobo, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kole, urged residents not to demand immediate payment for land, emphasizing that water projects are costly and government allocations for drilling boreholes are limited.
She also encouraged communities to protect infrastructure such as solar water pumps, pipelines, and related facilities.
Andrew Moses Awany, LC5 Chairperson of Kole District, warned that seeking payment for land intended for public water projects discourages development partners from supporting the district.
He commended Link To Progress for improving water access in Okwerodot Sub-county, now ranked third in the district after Bala and Ayer.
Awany explained that, historically, community members willingly provided land for public services including schools, churches, roads, and water points.
Patrick Ocen, District Water Officer, said that ten boreholes are planned for Okwerodot, but disputes over land could force projects to be relocated to other sub-counties.
He cited a similar case in Bala Sub-county, where a resident is now demanding 10 million shillings for land initially provided freely. The district leadership praised residents who voluntarily offered land for development projects.
During the event, Link To Progress conducted sanitation inspections in 30 villages, with 14 villages meeting the standards and receiving certificates of appreciation.
Residents, pupils, and Alang Primary School head teacher Benjamin Acol expressed gratitude to Link To Progress, TGS Water Ltd, and We Consult for the Olengobir Water Pipe Scheme and the new latrine facilities.
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