Start Date: 2011-08-01

Completion Date: 2011-11-30

Technology Used:

Based on the local climate and geologic conditions, borehole drilling is the best option for providing water to the school. A geologic survey will be completed to determine the location for drilling and the equipment required. At this time, it's believed a deep well drilling machine is needed. Once the well is drilled, Divine Waters Uganda will install an India Mark II hand pump. Water quality is sampled and tested following drilling and the installation of the hand pump and its disinfection. A well log is filed with the Divine Waters office in Lira.

Phases:

Phase 1: Hydrological survey
Phase 2: Drilling, pump functionality testing, water quality testing, hand pump installation
Phase 3: Water point hand over to the community and water source management training

Community Organization:

Divine Waters Uganda will train a Water Source and Sanitation Committee made up of 50% men and 50% women from the community and the school faculty in wellhead protection, hand pump maintenance, and administration. Divine Waters helps the community form this committee, encouraging gender equality and advocating for diversity in membership among various age, trade, and ethnic groups. The committee oversees the borehole, ensuring its proper use, preventing quarrels, and setting up a fund for future repair needs.

Government Interaction:

Divine Waters Uganda works closely with the government at the local, Sub-county, and regional levels. This work plan has been submitted to and was approved by the Lira District office and Sub-county offices. The District and Regional offices have resettlement plans for northern Uganda, which include repair of infrastructure, such as water systems, rebuilding schools, and construction of latrines. This work plan fits within the goals and directives of the local government and a signed Memorandum Of Understanding is in place and is being monitored by the local government.

Ancillary activities:

Capacity building of Divine Waters staff by Lifewater is ongoing. For example, teacher training focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene was given in May 2010. Plans for kitchen gardens are in place, as well as the formation of school health clubs. The school is also involved in environmental activities such as tree planting, which the school health clubs will join.

Other Issues:

For this three year program, Divine Waters is employing 15 people from project administrators, to hygiene trainers, community mobilizers, field officers, and water development technicians. Many other donors have already contributed to this program's success. To date, 43 hand pumps have been rehabilitated, 68 boreholes have been drilled, and more than 55,096 people have gained safe water.