The intervention zone is situated in the rural areas of the water basin of Lake George. In this area 28 % of the population lives below the absolute income limit, and 34,5 % in a situation of seasonal food insecurity. The livelihood of the fishing community depends entirely on the lake. The lake borders on the national park, a protected area where very little human activity is allowed. The lake is a Ramsar site, and a source for water, building materials and proteins for the whole region.

The target group is the rural community in the sub-counties Mahyoro and Nyabbani in the district of Kamwenge in Western Uganda and the fishing communities in 4 of the 8 landing sites on Lake George in the districts Kamwenge and Kasese. Currently the population in this area is estimated to be 48.250 persons. Access to drinking water in these sub-counties according to official figures is 37% in Mayhoro sub-county and 44% in Nyabbani sub-county. Supplying water to an additional 12.000 people will increase the coverage from 41% in the 2 sub-counties combined up to 66%.

Low infrastructure cost per person due to a low cost technology mix of shallow wells (2.450 usd / 250 persons); improved springs (incl. spring capping, tank) (2.000 usd / 250 persons); rainwater tanks (375 usd / 10 persons or 1.300 usd / 150 persons)
Construction of improved pit latrines and eco-san latrines.

Program in one phase over 2 years

Selection of villages and construction sites (based on baseline survey findings and selection criteria established together with local authorities and community representatives). Election and training of Water User Committees. (WUC's)
Community contribution in kind in unskilled labour and delivering sand and bricks.
Training of mechanics for repair and maintenance

Strategies and approaches: multi-actor approach.
Tendering out works locally
Participation Local Governments
Introducing Eco-san
Supporting local Drama Groups
Child 2 Child approach
Teaching women groups in construction of rainwater tanks
Promote coordination and sharing of lessons learnt and best practices
HIV/aids mainstreaming
Improved management systems in the subcounty

Project management
The project is managed by a management team composed of the coordinators of PROTOS, JESE and FORUD. JESE and FORUD are local NGOs. The field activities are managed on daily basis by two team coordinators, one for JESE in Mahyoro sub-county and one for FORUD in Nyabbani sub-county. Planning and monitoring of the program is done jointly with the district and sub-county local authorities. PROTOS bears the final responsibility.

Total cost: 538573 $ over 2 years

See details in Program Costs Excel sheet

In kind unskilled labour and delivery of sand and bricks. Not quantified.

Water Users Committees will contribute a yearly fee for using improved springs or a fee per jerrycan tapped water from shallow well handpumps or rainwater harvesting tanks. This will be sufficient for future repair and maintenance costs.