By Sarah Natoolo
Households and farmers in Masaka have been urged to harvest rainwater during the current rainy season to prepare for prolonged dry spells.
George William Omony, principal meteorologist and manager of forecasting services at the Ministry of Water and Environment, says changing rainfall patterns are making water supplies less reliable. He says rainwater harvesting offers an affordable way for residents of Matanga, Vvuma, Kago, Kawule, Kasaali, Natita and Kitamba to meet some of their water needs when rainfall is low.
Omony says households can install roof gutters and channel rainwater into covered tanks, drums or other suitable containers. Farmers can use small ponds or reservoirs to collect water for crops and livestock.
Harvested rainwater can be used for cleaning, gardening and other household chores. Omony advises residents to keep tanks covered, clean them regularly and treat the water before drinking it.
Community leaders, local authorities and development partners can encourage households to invest in rainwater harvesting and show residents how to keep the water clean and use it sparingly during dry spells.
