Current projects

Kazuru gravity flow scheme – phase 1

One of WATSAN’s most significant fundraising projects has reached its target for Phase 1, which is enabling construction of a brand new pipeline connecting raw water sources to a health centre in this isolated rural community.

In 2022, WATSAN launched a fundraising appeal for our key target project, Kazuru gravity flow scheme. Schemes like this take a natural water supply – usually a good strong spring protected in the hills – and use gravity to bring it to a local community. These are major schemes serving up to 5,000 or more people, schools, clinics etc. Watch Moses from the Ugandan staff team explain what a gravity flow scheme is

Currently, children in the area are walking for miles over hills to collect water from polluted open ponds. Sanitation takes the form of semi-permanent structures built from mud. Moses says of local people: “I think they accept the conditions they are in, but painfully. It affects them psychologically. But most importantly, WATSAN’s planned intervention in their area gives them hope that their life can be improved.”

Over the past two years, many fundraising efforts have gone towards building funds to start this project, including a 138km cycle marathon; dispersed walks for water; an auction of promises; a quiz night; and a trip to Uganda by St Peter’s Church. This has raised a combined total of £45k towards Kazuru, which means WATSAN is now in a position to start building Phase 1 of the scheme. Phase 1 will protect the sources, and run a pipeline from the higher ground down to a community health centre.

The long-awaited Kazuru implementation kicked off in August 2024, with a ground-breaking ceremony on 27th August 2024 which took place at the project water source, Kaashambya, located in Rwengwe cell. The ceremony was presided over by local religious and political leaders, and attended by a team of 21 people from the Bishop’s Waltham team from the UK, including WATSAN’s Chair Ian Bensted. Speaker after speaker appreciated God for the breakthrough and the landowner Mr. Elly for allowing the development of a water source located in his land. The whole community was called upon for unity, support and team work during and after implementation of the scheme.

The WATSAN Uganda – UK Support team would like to celebrate the achievement of our target for Phase 1, and to sincerely thank the donors and supporters in the UK who have taken part in fundraising and events over the past two years.

General sustainability work

Following the completion of a six-week study project, priorities for maintenance of schemes completed by WaterAid/WATSAN over the past 25 years have been established.

Concurrently with construction projects, the team is implementing a sustainability workplan, with attention to issues such as organisation and management committees needing refreshing; water sources becoming overgrown; or small repairs needed to tapstands.

A general sensitisation plan has been developed in order to ensure that the local communities give all the necessary attention to the operation, maintenance and administration of their schemes. Continuity of service to over 30,000 people is at stake in the implementation of this plan!