ChildFund Uganda commissions sh130m solar powered water project in Teso

When water crises emerge, women and children in particular bear the brunt. This is because they must trek several kilometers in search for clean water. Ann Ruth Alupo, is among many women residing in Aloet village in Achowa Sub County Kapelebyong district whose daily routines begin at 3am.

This time, she explains, is ‘convenient’ for her to trek to the borehole given the large numbers it attracts. However, despite her early bird efforts, she always finds herself returning home at about 10am due to the long distance.

That is not all. “We suffer a lot in the dry season and fetching water in far areas also contributes to gender-based violence in our homes,” Alupo explains.

Alupo however will no longer have to go through this hardship.  

In a colourful event that happened on Thursday this week, ChildFund Uganda, in partnership with Partners for Children Worldwide (PfCW) and Davis & Shirtliff commissioned a sh130m solar-powered water project in Akore Town Council.

The move comes as a solution to the community’s water shortage which had negatively affected the community for so many years.

Water scarcity in Uganda’s Teso sub-region is a pressing issue that significantly impacts daily life and wellbeing. This predominantly rural area faces severe shortage of clean water, compelling residents to endure immense hardships.

Women and children who particularly suffer have to trek long distances to fetch water for their families. This task not only consumes valuable time and energy but also exposes them to numerous risks, among them, health hazards.

The scarcity of water in Teso affects every aspect of life, from education and economic productivity to health and social stability, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to this critical challenge.

It is against this background that ChildFund made the decision to respond to the hardships this particular community was facing.

During the commissioning, Moses Otai, the ChildFund Uganda County Director commended the family of Siraj Omuya and Dawiya Aguti who graciously donated a piece of their land for the establishment of the solar plant that pumps water that is supplied to the entire community

“Other people would have asked for money. But because of their commitment to community development, they were able to provide the land free of charge,” he said, urging community members to work with ChildFund and its partners to keep children in school.

Chege Ngugi, the ChildFund Africa Regional Director, could not hide his excitement over the success of the partnership despite the challenges that came with it.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I never saw this partnership going beyond Kenya. However, today, we are in three countries in Africa: Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda. We are looking into other countries like Ethiopia. We can only go into other countries if we are able to demonstrate that the projects in Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda are being sustainable. Here today, in Akore, you carry the main stake as to whether we are going to expand or not, because of how you treat this project,” he said.

Ngugi urged the community to guard the water supply system against vandalism.

Raphael Omus, the Local Council 1 Chairperson, Kapelebyong Town Council urged partners to create more water collection points to minimize congestion but also promote hygiene when collecting water.

He also warned residents against politicizing the project.

George Masuba, the Programs Manager, PfCW said the time spent collecting water due to water shortage had contributed to school absenteeism, child abuse as well as low productivity.

“As we gather here, I recall the saying that water is life. Today, we witness the commissioning of the water project that uses clean, sustainable, and renewable energy. This facility will transform this town in the areas of health, education, child safety and reduction in gender-based violence,” Masuba stated.

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