Quench the thirst! Water 4 Uganda!

The project region Bwamiramira is located in the district of Buyanja in the midwest of Uganda, with approx. 144.000 inhabitants. The economy of the region is characterized by agriculture and stock rearing. At the moment 57% of the population has no access to clean (drinking-) water, 44% get their water out of unsafe rivers, lakes or wells. Only half of the people boil the water before drinking it. Additionally, the few water pools are used by both humans and animals for their water supply. In most cases, the water pools are far away from the villages. Being responsible for the daily water supply, this situation creats a great burden especially for the women. Therefore, the choice between using an unsafe water pool or walking for hours to another "safer" one, is often made in favour of the first choice.

Current status

In cooperation with our field partner, the local NGO "Emesco Development Foundation", the project was planned. Water surveys have been made to define the best locations for the construction of the water sources. (arche noVa is planning to establish a local office in the project region with a permanent staff member). The implementation of the project should start in January 2010.

Goal of the project is the improvement of the living situation of 15 selected communities in the circuit of Buyanja. For a ameliorated access to clean drinking water, arche noVa plans to construct 15 wells and 2 water well enclosures. Since only a construction of wells does not secure a sustainable improvement of the situation, the people will receive essential training on hygiene and maintenance of the water facilities.

Goals

• 15 wells
• 2 water well enclosures
• hygiene training for inhabitants of 15 rural communities
• training in maintenance & management of the water sources

The sustainability of the project after the construction of the wells is secured by the inclusion of the locals in the project since the very beginning. In workshops, held during the period of the construction, the locals receive education on functioning and maintenance of the wells. A local water committee is formed, which will be responsible for the wells in the future. With the forming of the water committees the knowledge as well as the responsibility for the maintenance of the wells is given into the hands of the local people. Each community is obliged to build a maintenance fund to secure the financing of the water sources in case repairing is needed.