Rehabilitation Project
This project is a part of our shared program with The Water Trust. Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Kisindizi Public Primary School is located in Kyakamese Parish, Pakanyi sub-county, Masindi district and it is one of the government aided primary schools in the sub-county. This school has an enrollment of 502 pupils of which 249 are girls and 253 boys. The school has a fairly good sanitation environment where both boys and girls have separate latrines in good working conditions. This school is challenged by lack of access to clean and safe water which affects the general sanitation of the school. Due to the prevailing water crisis, children do not wash their hand after visiting the latrine or before touching food which poses a big threat to their health. The introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE), also known as free education for all, resulted in a rapid increase in the number of children in the primary schools from 5.3 million in 1997 to 7.3 million in 2002, a trend that has continued in subsequent years, straining hygiene and sanitation facilities in schools which already had low standards of sanitation and hygiene.
The Water Trust, in collaboration with Masindi District local government, is implementing a school sanitation and hygiene program through construction of ventilated improved lined latrines and provision of access to clean and safe water. The social team initiates and trains school health clubs for purpose of sustainability in its efforts to ensure quality education for boys and girls becomes a reality. This school has been selected among many that applied for support and we are going to drill a borehole for them in an effort to improve their sanitation.
Sanitation facilities prevent the transmission of diseases as it prevents human faecal contamination of water and soil. The lack of proper sanitation facilities are the cause for a significant proportion of the world’s infectious disease burden. Moreover, waterborne illnesses predominantly affect the poor and the young. When basic water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions are applied, waterborne illnesses can be effectively reduced.
SANITATION AND HYGIENE STRATEGY
The main objectives of the Sanitation and Hygiene Program are the use of latrines and observing proper hygiene practices as these goals are inherently connected to the provision of clean water. Open defecation, water storage in unclean containers and the absence of hand washing at critical times are all possible contaminates to the water supply at the household level. We leverage this relationship by requiring each participating village to achieve Open Defecation Free status (defined by one latrine per household) prior to the pump installation for a shallow hand dug well. Using the immediate gratification of clean water as an impetus, the team works toward sustainable, interdisciplinary WASH development.
The social program includes the assignment of one Community Development Officer (CDO) per village. The CDO encourages each household to build an ideal homestead that includes: a latrine with hand-washing facility, a rubbish pit, a separate structure for animals, and a drying rack for dishes.
Community Led Total Sanitation
We implement the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach with each of our village partners. The team facilitates a CLTS session in which we aim to improve the sanitation and hygiene practices and behaviors of a village. During these sessions, village leaders naturally emerge and push the community to realize that current practices of individual households – particularly open defecation– are not only unhealthy, but affect the entire village. CLTS facilitates a process in which community members realize the negative consequences of their current water, sanitation and hygiene behaviors and are inspired to take action. Group interactions are frequent motivators for individual households to: build latrines, use the latrines, and demand that other households do the same.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS
June 12, 2015
An application letter from Ms. Nyamahunge Elizabeth, the head teacher, for a water source was received and our technical team visited the school for viability after ensuring there was no objection from the Chief administrative officer to allow work in this school.
September 12, 2015
ICON Projects, one of the borehole drilling companies in Uganda has been contracted to undertake drilling and installation of the borehole at this school.
September 21, 2015
A hydrological survey has been conducted and a suitable location has been identified. Drilling will soon commence and we shall keep you updated.
September 28, 2015
Drilling was done and concluded today. We now wait for pump testing whose results will be communicated soon.
October 23, 2015
Today the pump was tested and all is well. The project has been handed over for commissioning but it will remain under warranty cover by the contractor for a period of six months.
October 26, 2015
The school management has planned to construct a protective fence around the source. The well is functioning and already serving the students and surrounding community.
Thank You for your help!
