By Ouni Jaspher
The Bata sub county pipe water project site has been officially handed over to the contractor, bringing one step closer to the completion of this much-needed project.
Alex Ojok, the Bata sub county LC3 chairperson, expresses his gratitude to the Dokolo district administration for their balanced distribution of water projects in Bata and Okwongodul sub counties.
With the completion of this project, Ojok believes that Bata will experience a boost in development and an increase in access to essential services.
The Bata pipe water project, valued at 498,689,181 million shillings, is a dream come true for the residents of this sub county.
Quintos Opio, the district water engineer for Dokolo, explains that this project is part of the government’s efforts to provide pipe water to more communities and reduce reliance on boreholes.
“Currently, only Bata town council, Adeknino (Awelo town board), Dokolo town council, Agwata town council, and the Bata sub county have access to pipe water. However, Opio assures residents that plans are in place to extend the project to other areas, such as Kwera and Kangai town council.
According to Opio, in Bata sub county the primary beneficiaries of the Bata pipe water project include the Atabu trading center, Atabu primary school, Bata seed school, and Atabu health center II.
He said the construction for this project is set to begin on 28/01/2026 and is expected to be completed within four months, under control of SWONG engineering limited and funding from the UGIFT fund.
Opio also reveals that the water board will be in charge of managing the project once it’s completed. However, in case of any lapses, the ministry of water will take over.
The scope of work for this project includes; constructing borehole pump station, installing a borehole pumping main, creating a storage reserve, building a distribution network, and setting up mechanical and electrical systems, among other things.
The success of the Bata pipe water project would not have been possible without the support of Yapa Jaspher, who provided the land for the project.
Opio encourages the community to show their appreciation by giving Jaspher a leadership position in the project.
“As a community, we understand the importance of extending the benefits of this project to more villages but the local government will consider extending the project based on the demand and consumption rates in the area” he said.
Wonyaka Gilbert, the director of Swong engineering limited a company awarded to do the work then promised to uphold the highest level of quality, control, and professionalism in the project, ensuring that it not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the district authorities.
One of the key aspects highlighted by Wonyaka Gilbert is the involvement of the local community in the project.
He strongly encourages the locals to take an active part in this project, not only by providing their skills but also by being part of the casual labor force.
The LC1 chairperson of Atabu village, Geoffrey Okwara, has also expressed his concerns about the project.
He questions how the local community will benefit from the project in terms of workmanship.
“In many cases, projects are carried out by outsiders, leaving the residents of the area without any opportunities. However, with the involvement of Swong Engineering Limited, the community can now look forward to being part of this project and reaping its benefits” he said.
Yapa Jaspher, who has donated land for the project, also emphasized the importance of protecting the project.
He urges the community to be responsible for maintaining the project site, including keeping materials safe and ensuring the safety of the equipment.
He stresses that this project is not just for him, but for the entire community, and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure its success.
There have been concerns raised by the community about why the project is targeting specific areas.
In response to this, Apili James Otto, the district chairperson of Dokolo, stated that development does not happen without someone’s hands involved.
Otto noted that he believes in the quality and standard of work and encourages the Swong engineering limited to continue doing their best in order to secure more projects in the future.
He also takes the opportunity to thank the voters for choosing President Museveni and assures them that Dokolo will remain a high-profile district.
Jafa Ocaya, the assistant resident district commissioner for Dokolo, has also shared some valuable advice for the community.
He discourages residents from misusing the project and reminds them that any misconduct will only disappoint the hands that have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.
He also advises the locals who will be given the opportunity to work under the project to do so with respect and dedication.
He cites an example from Kangai, where casual laborers often leave the workplace before the designated time, causing delays and hampering the project’s progress.
