Borehole Well and Hand Pump
Rehabilitation Project
This is a project we got to do in cooperation with our partner and Attack Poverty. Upon completion of the project, our partner in the field reports...
When the Living Water Uganda team arrived, 80 families were sharing their water source with cattle and other livestock. Residents were dependent on a water catchment system located in the community to meet all of their water needs. Because of this, families were suffering from typhoid, malaria, diarrhea and severe dehydration among other preventable water related illnesses. The team was pleased to learn of the community’s use of a covered pit latrine as this will help prevent further spread of disease in the area. During the team’s stay, community members assisted the team with the water project whenever possible, provided any materials they had available and guarded the team’s equipment during the night. Most farm or raise livestock to earn a living. There is a school located one kilometer away from the community whose students, teachers and administrative personnel all have access to the new, safe water source. Before leaving the community, the team established a committee to collect a monthly well maintenance fee of 5,000 Ugandan Shillings per house hold.
During the hygiene education, the Living Water Uganda team addresses: Hand washing, how to properly transport and store water, disease transmission and prevention, how to maintain proper care of the pump, as well as signs and symptoms of dehydration and how to make Oral Rehydration Solution. All of these lessons are taught in a participatory method to help community members discover ways to improve their hygiene and sanitation choices, and implement community driven solutions.
The Living Water Uganda team had an opportunity to meet with thirty-six year old community member, Farmer and WUC chairman, Frank Ngundu, who stated, "We asked for water because we have always had trouble getting water. Even the dirty (dam) water was very far from us and in the dry season, the dam owners would often deny us access. We now thank God and Living Water for considering us. You had many reasons to go away from here as the potential for finding water is small, but you really sacrificed with so many attempts to make sure we got clean and safe water. We are grateful and promise to work hand in hand with you to make sure the well is protected and maintained."
