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As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive MTN Uganda Foundation has commissioned two community projects in the western region; a classroom block in Kashuro in Mbarara district and a clean and safe water project in Gisorora, Kisoro district.
The classroom block constructed at Kashuro Primary school is complete with two water tanks of 10,000 liters each, furniture, plastic gutters and drainage pipes worth Ushs250 million.
MTN’s General Manager Corporate Services Anthony Katamba who represented the MTN Uganda CEO- Brian Gouldie, handed over the block to the school administration and local authorities on Wednesday 17th September 2014 before heading South West to Kisoro to commission the water project in Kisoro.
The Gisorora water project was a response to the communities out cry for lack of safe and clean water that has led to high cases of water borne diseases caused by the unsafe water. On Thursday 18th September 2014,MTN Uganda Foundation in partnership with Kisoro district local council commissioned the clean and safe water project in Gisorora parish, Nyakabande sub county in Kisoro district.
The Gisorora waterproject was implemented using Ushs 50 million shillings that MTN Uganda Foundation contributed towards the cause which will now see a total of 264 homesteads. The safe water was brought closer to the homesteads by a distance of 3kms in partnership with Compassion Uganda and National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) which conducted additional activities such as extension of the existing water lines deep to the communities. Water verification tests were done and also the institution and training of the water committee to manage sanitation.
The ceremony was presided over by District LC5 Chairman Mr. Milton Bazanyemaso who officiated at the event as Guest of honour.
Speaking during the event, Katamba said MTN Uganda will continue working with other partners to help making a difference in areas that matter most to the different communities in Uganda. We will focus more on the rural communities who need more of these life changing projects.
“MTN Uganda and our partners are committed to enhancing development in the communities in which we do business, not just by providing universal access to communication, but also through consistent contribution to provide basic and essential necessities such as clean and safe water, promotion of good hygiene and sanitation practices and supporting education in Uganda,”. He said MTN Foundation‘s decision to commit funds on the project stemmed from a feasibility study which indicated that Gisorora area had a severe water shortage challenge. This had affected food production and also children were dropping out of school.
Katamba further reiterated that MTN Uganda is committed to partnerships with both the public and private sector to continue driving the national development of Uganda.
Kisoro district is located in the southwestern part of the country bordering Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The district has a population of 239,000 people. Over 1,219school going children are expected to benefit from the project which saw Kisoro district contribute 10 million.
Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour Mr. BaznyemaasocommendedMTN Ugandafor consistently investing in life changing initiatives. He recognized MTN as a responsible Corporate citizen and a worthy developmental partner for the Government of Uganda.
