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
Kitongozi Central is a sub village of Kitongozi Local Council located in Kitwala parish, Kiryandongo sub-county, Kiryandongo district with an estimated population of 200 people living in 40 households which constitute the catchment population of this central part of the village. This village serves as a central business area for the local council with small shops in an upcoming trading center where people from the whole village converge in the evening to enjoy the locally brewed alcohol. The small trading center of this village is surrounded by maize and cassava gardens in the east, and a big wetland in the west which provides water for consumption. Being the major source of water, yet open and unprotected, it is said to be the leading source of water borne related diseases among the water starved residents of this village. Mr. Bitajune Patrick, a 42 years old resident of this village says that residents invited us through their chairman after a meeting with one of the Community Development Officers who mobilized them for sensitization on safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Mr. Bassirima Kenneth, the village chairman, says that water from the swamp is turbid and smells especially during rainy reasons. He suspects that it is the source of typhoid which is a common disease. He said that the village had been mobilized to contribute all the locally available materials like sand, bricks, and hardcore on top of providing accommodation to a technician whom we shall send to work with them in the process of constructing the water source.
There will be an intensive program to provide access to clean water and sanitation in this village. The community will participate in excavating and constructing the water source. In the meantime the aim is that all households own an improved latrine. Many households do not use a latrine but use the bush. Due to the practice of open defecation, faeces is spread all over the village and contaminates open water sources. Our aim is to ensure that the community is able to live a healthy life, free of preventable waterborne diseases. We strive to work in partnership with the community to access safe clean water and improved sanitation.
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 contaminants to the water supply at the household level. Using the immediate gratification of clean water as an impetus, we can work towards sustainable, interdisciplinary WASH development.
The social program includes the assignment of one Community Development Officer (CDO) per village. 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.
Community Led Total Sanitation
We implement the Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach with each of our village partners. The CLTS session's purpose is 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 22, 2015
Technician Richard and the helper were delivered to site on June 16, 2015 and work commenced after sitting a suitable location. Due to hard soil formation, excavation is expected to progress at a slow pace.
June 27, 2015
Excavation work is progressing through the 18th foot and soil formation is still hard hence a slow pace.
July 6, 2015
Soil formation drastically changed to dusty and collapsing when excavation hit 30ft. This is highly risky and has prompted the technician to stop work. A resolution to re-site was reached but the community members have asked for a break to allow them rest before the start afresh.
This project is a good example of how difficult the work of bringing clean water can be. There are any number of factors that can complicate even a well known and understood task.
Kitongozi is determined to try again with a new location still within their community. We'll keep you posted when the project resumes and as it progresses.
