Water For People actively supports Kamwenge Local Government in implementing the Everyone Forever strategy, a mechanism designed to ensure access to water and sanitation services for everyone – every family, every clinic, every school – forever. This strategy focuses on achieving 100% access and coverage for both water and sanitation across the entire district, including urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Our comprehensive approach ensures full coverage by considering quality, quantity, reduced distances between households and water sources, coordination of sector actors, planning, costs, and service reliability and sustainability.
Water For People has significantly invested in piped water supplies across Kamwenge District. By constructing 15 piped water supply systems and extensions, the infrastructure is in place to provide reliable and safe water. These investments are crucial for creating sustainable water access. However, they come with households needing to pay for the services to maintain and operate the systems. For low-income and vulnerable households, this requirement can be a significant barrier. Many of these families do not have a stable source of income, making it difficult for them to afford regular water payments and fully benefit from the piped water infrastructure. This financial challenge has highlighted the necessity of exploring alternative methods to ensure equitable access to clean water.
Equity and access for everyone is central to our efforts. This includes providing free water connections to the most vulnerable households. However, the ability of some households to afford subsequent water payments, especially those without a stable income source, led us to explore alternative methods for providing safe water access. Rainwater harvesting emerged as a viable solution to this challenge.
Rainwater harvesting is the collection, storage, and use of rainwater. It involves collecting rainwater from roofs and storing it in a tank for domestic use. Water For People provided 1.5m³ rainwater harvesting jars to address water access challenges. These were equipped with household water treatment kits to ensure safe and clean water access.
Water For People constructed 42 rainwater harvesting jars in 42 villages across five sub-counties in Kamwenge District. That is to say; Kahunge Town Council, Kahunge Sub-County, Nkoma Sub-County, Kabuga Town Council, and Rukunyu Town Council. This was a way of meeting the needs of vulnerable households that would otherwise struggle to afford piped water supply or travel long distances to fetch water from springs or wells
One of the rainwater harvesting jars that was constructed.
The respective sub-counties primarily selected the villages and played a crucial role in identifying vulnerable households in need.
Based on specific criteria, an assessment tool was used to analyze and approve households for support. For instance, eligible households must have an iron sheet-roofed house to ensure effective rainwater collection. Households with individuals aged 65 and above, physically disabled members, and child-led families received priority. This targeted approach ensured that the most vulnerable households, which struggle to afford piped water or travel long distances to fetch water from springs or wells, receive the necessary support to improve their access to safe water.
This initiative trained over 20 masons from Kahunge Sub-County in proper techniques for constructing water jars and installing the full rainwater system. This included collection, delivery, water quality consideration, and storage. The training also covered key features of a rainwater harvesting system, material costing and quantification, fabrication of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB), and installation of gutters and first flush devices. A senior mason supported the construction teams for quality assurance, and a consultant provided technical oversight during construction.
Transforming Lives in Kamwenge: The Story of Yovani Lyahunga and Viloti Tigambirwa
86-year-old Yovani Lyahunga and his 76-year-old wife, Viloti Tigambirwa, who are beneficiaries of the initiative in Kiziba, Kamwenge District
The construction of rainwater harvesting jars profoundly transformed the lives of 86-year-old Yovani Lyahunga and his 76-year-old wife, Viloti Tigambirwa, in Kiziba, Kamwenge District. These jars improved their access to clean water for domestic use and drinking.
Yovani, Viloti, their children, and their families struggled with water access for many years.
"We used to walk several kilometers to fetch water from a well in Nyakabaale village. Sometimes we would have to pay for water, especially for drinking," recalled Viloti. "The water was often unsafe, and we were constantly worried about waterborne diseases. I could not afford to walk long journeys at my age, so I had to rely on my son’s wife and children to help me fetch water."
Moreover, accessing safe water was a daily burden, affecting not just Yovani and Viloti but also the six households (of over 15 people) they now share the rainwater jar with, including their children and their families. The introduction of rainwater harvesting jars was a game-changer for this family. "These jars were a blessing for my family. We now have clean water right at our doorstep. The water purifiers that were also given to us have provided clean and safe drinking water," said Yovani.
To ensure they have water at all times, Yovani and Viloti’s family adopted a system of water management. Their daughter-in-law plays a crucial role in this effort, diligently fetching and storing water in barrels and jerrycans inside the house. This practice ensures that they always have a reliable water supply for various needs, even when rainwater collection is insufficient.
The introduction of these jars also aimed at transforming community members. It provided reliable water access, and the training empowered the masons to maintain and expand this initiative. This is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable water solutions. The jars brought relief, health, and hope for Yovani Lyahunga, Viloti Tigambirwa, and their extended family. Their story is one of many in Kiziba, where access to clean water has become a reality.