Rehabilitation Project
The 225 residents of the Rwenkole Community have struggled for five long years without access to safe, sufficient water. Their only water source, a faraway spring, requires an uphill journey that has devastating effects on their health.
The distant, unsafe spring.
Field Officer Bena Nakabiri said, "The waterpoint is not safe because water collects in the spring box, hence entering the spout. I also observed cases of open defecation around the area. The road to the waterpoint is hilly, making it very exhausting to climb while carrying heavy jerrycans."
Nine-year-old Innocent has spent little of his life with water security. He makes the arduous journey every day and feels its effects. A jerrycan full of water can weigh up to 40 pounds. He has to carry that up and down the rocky terrain just to bring home water that is likely to be contaminated.
Innocent at the spring.
"I am always concerned about climbing the hill while carrying water, and sometimes it even gives me a headache," Innocent shared.
The beginning of the uphill journey home.
He sacrifices not only his health every day to fulfill his family's needs but also his education.
"I have to hurry from school to fetch water, and sometimes I don't finish my classwork, and this has affected my general school performance," he shared.
Innocent isn't the only community member struggling. The busy spring has long lines, which often causes frustration that leads to conflict.
Innocent waiting to collect water.
Innocent bravely shared the emotional toll that the water crisis has on him. "I feel upset because I am always anxious about the long queue, as older people sometimes push us aside, particularly in the evening hours during the dry season."
Installing a well in the community will give Innocent the chance to experience a better life. With easily accessible water, he could prioritize his education. With a nearby water source, the physical toll he bears every day will be a thing of the past. That couldn't come soon enough for him.
"I hope the new waterpoint will not be situated in the valley, so there will be no hill to climb while carrying water, which will help reduce health issues like headaches and chest pain," he said.
Innocent is a diligent young man who plans to make the best of his education, and with clean water access, that will be possible.
"Studying diligently and dedicating sufficient time to my schoolwork," he shared when asked about his future plans.
Bena concludes, "This community needs a safe, deep borehole; people are suffering."
Steps Toward a Solution
Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify the most effective solution to their water crisis. They decided to drill a borehole well, construct a platform for the well, and attach a hand pump.
Well
Abundant water often lies just beneath our feet. Aquifers—natural underground rivers—flow through layers of sediment and rock, offering a constant supply of safe water. A borehole well is drilled deep into the earth to access this naturally filtered and protected water. We penetrate meters, sometimes even hundreds of meters, of soil, silt, rock, and more to reach the water underground. Once found, we construct a platform for the well and attach a hand pump. The community gains a safe, enclosed water source capable of providing approximately five gallons of water per minute. Learn more here!
Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Training is tailored to each community's specific needs and includes key topics such as proper water handling, improved hygiene practices, disease transmission prevention, and care of the new water point. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Encouraged and supported by the guidance of our team, a water user committee representative of the community's diverse members assumes responsibility for maintaining the water point, often gathering fees to ensure its upkeep.
A Community-Wide Approach
In Uganda, we use a Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, which involves several meetings where community members evaluate their own hygiene and sanitation practices to encourage lasting change. During these sessions, natural leaders emerge, motivating the community to recognize and change unhealthy behaviors that affect everyone.
Communities then commit to ending open defecation before we install the water project. Every household builds and uses a latrine to prevent disease and improve hygiene and sanitation alongside their new water source. To support this effort, a Community Development Officer (CDO) is assigned. The CDO encourages each household to set up handwashing stations, animal pens, garbage pits, and dish-drying racks. These additions are crucial in preventing the spread of common diseases.
