As part of activities to mark the water and environment week celebrations, Buikwe district has commissioned a new solar powered safe water project operational in 39 fishing villages of Ngogwe, Najja, Nyenga and Ssi sub-counties, targeting over 45,000 people.
The 6.7m US dollar-project uses water drilled and distributed using solar powered systems, is available at a minimal cost of shs 100/- per 20-litre jerrycan, and is accessed using rechargeable smart cards at all the fifteen aqua tap (AQ) stand points.
It is the result of partnership code-named Buikwe District Fishing Communities Development Programme (BDFCDP) WASH Project 2015/19 between the government of Iceland and Buikwe, which involves water, sanitation and access to clean water, in addition to improving the education system.
Under the project, the project community has received 15 solar-powered mini piped water systems, rehabilitation of 33 point water sources, 150 5-stance community shared pit latrines in villages and schools, classroom blocks, staff residences and latrines in over 30 primary and secondary schools.
Conducting members of the donor community around the facilities in Bugoba village in Nyenga, Buikwe LC V Chairman Mathias Kigongo said they opted to drill water rather than use sea water, reasoning that it was deemed to be cheaper than purifying the highly contaminated lake water.
He said functionality of the system has been achieved through continuous sensitization through a specially formulated district WASH operation and maintenance plan.
Kigongo said that the minimal charge of shs 100/= per charge is intended to be set aside to be used in future in case of system brokages when the donors have withdrawn, to ensure continuity.
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