Buwagi Project
Water for Kids in Uganda
Uganda 2010 Field Trip
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Background
Since 2005 Water for Kids (WfK) has worked in partnership with Daventry
Friends of Iganga and has contributed towards the protection
of ten spring water sources and the installation of a borehole with pump.
As a result tens of thousands of people in villages near the town of Iganga
in Eastern Uganda have access to clean water for the first time. In addition
WfK has funded water supplies to two clinics and a centre for the blind
and has repaired five village hand pumps which were not working. All this
has been achieved at a cost of £16,114 to Water for Kids.
Peter Minhinnett is a trustee of both WfK and Daventry
friends of Iganga. Following twelve years of twinning of Daventry and
Iganga, a strong working relationship has been built up with the health
department of Iganga Town Council and especially with
Muzamiru Bidondole who is a Senior Health Assistant.
Iganga is a market town with many villages lying within the Iganga District.
WfKs work has focussed mainly on the rural areas. Muzamiru has identified
poor water sources for protection. They have been transformed from contaminated
ponds with unsafe access for collecting water, to clean spring water supplies
running from a pipe and draining away. The drainage is important, because
any ponding water will attract mosquitoes, which carry the malaria bug.
Most of the work has happened during the annual study trip to Uganda.
Peter has taken over twenty people to Iganga each year, since 2005 to
work with local people. They have not only improved the water supply,
they have also contributed to the refurbishment of two clinics and a centre
for blind people.
Evidence of the health improvements resulting from the provision of clean
water is shown by better attendance at local schools. According to the
head teachers the pupils have fewer stomach upsets. In addition the pupils
turn up on time and are more alert, as they do not have to walk long distances
to fetch water.
For more details of WfK's
work in Uganda click here.
Uganda Field Trip 09
