Bukose, Uganda

Bukose village of bugaya sub-district

The Community’s priority needs and suggested solution 

The community members unanimously identified the necessity for an improved water source as their  top priority. Their preference is a borehole equipped with a hand pump, strategically located for  accessibility. While some community members recognized a solar-powered water supply system as an  ideal solution, concerns were raised about the potential financial burden of the 5% community  contribution, considering the economic challenges faced by the community. 

The Open Water Source Used by the Community 

The community primarily relies on an open and unprotected spring as its water source, presenting  several challenges. The spring is situated in a valley, surrounded by bushes, making it less accessible  and posing potential safety concerns. The distance from homesteads further compounds the issue,  making it inconvenient for community members to access clean water. 

Community members have expressed concerns about the poor water quality, citing an increase in  Typhoid cases attributed to the usage of this spring. Additionally, there has been a reported rise in  incidents of rape among young girls, possibly due to the isolated and unprotected nature of the spring. 

To better understand the situation, the country office team, accompanied by community elders, visited  the spring. The journey involved navigating approximately 1 kilometer downhill through people's  gardens, providing firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the community in obtaining water from  this source. 

The Community’s plan to raise the 5% Cash Contribution 

The community has committed to providing a designated portion of land free of charge for the drilling  and installation of the hand pump. Additionally, they plan to raise funds through the sale of various  agricultural products, including Maize, Potatoes, Beans, Groundnuts, Cassava, and Soya Bean.  Livestock such as Pigs, Cows, Goats, and Chickens will also contribute to generating income for the  project. 

Meeting with the District Water Officer Buyende District 

He warmly received the EWB and Love in Action team into his office and expressed appreciation for  their ongoing efforts in addressing WASH gaps in the district, particularly with the collaboration of  New Hampshire Professionals and the New Hampshire student chapter. Recognizing the impact of  additional water sources, he mentioned that if 4 hand pumps are added to the existing 9 in Buyende, it  could benefit around 4,000 people. The district, with a current water coverage of 41.6%, is eager for  NGOs to complement government initiatives, especially as over 54.8% of the population lacks access  to clean water. He emphasized that the district has made progress in Bugaya sub-county, covering 46%,  but more efforts are needed, particularly in a newly created sub-county like Bukose. Limited budgets  pose challenges, and external support is crucial for community-specific water projects. 

Observations/Challenges: 

The need is evident, the community heavily relies on an open and unprotected spring for water  needs. The source produces poor water quality leading to an increase in waterborne diseases,  particularly Typhoid. These alternative sources pose safety concerns, are easily accessible by cattle,  and provide poor-quality water, leading to health risks. The water source, especially the hand pump,  is situated far from most households (4 km away). The community resorts to alternative sources,  such as open and unprotected seasonal springs. 

There is commitment from the community to contributing 5% cash and in-kind contributions. They  are very positive response and eagerness from the community to collaborate with NGOs like EWB  and Love in Action. 

The district's water coverage stands at 41.6%, with over 54.8% lacking access to clean water. The  community feels marginalized and lacks planned infrastructure from the district. Limited allocation  of resources and facilities, including schools and water sources, contributing to the overall  challenges faced by the community.  

Safety concerns and potential risks for community members, particularly vulnerable groups. There is lack of infrastructure and mechanisms in place to ensure the sustainability and upkeep of  new water systems. But there is a commitment from community to create a water user committee  and contribute water user fees if the project is accepted.