In 2017 there was a severe drought in parts of Uganda and many of the Women’s Groups who UWCM support realised the importance of water harvesting but didn’t know how to go about it and so asked UWCM for advice.  As Trustees of Uganda Concern UK, we decided that we would like to support a rainwater harvesting project – ESPECIALLY as this is a community led initiative - and after a period of research and consultation with the Women’s Groups and staff of UWCM, and after visiting various communities during our trip in January 2018, it has been agreed that plastic tanks would be used as opposed to ferro-cement tanks. 

Typically, rainwater harvesting systems comprise of a large 5,000 – 10,000L plastic tank (depending on whether it is an individual household or community tank) placed on a cement base with a gutter system that is attached to an existing metal roof.  These systems will last around 30 years and will provide clean water for thousands over their lifespan. 

At present (February 2018) the exact details have not yet been finalised and we are in discussion with various suppliers and other agencies. 

The World Health Organisation specifies that 50 litres of water per person are required every day for basic sanitation, and 75 litres are needed if household members are to be fully protected against disease. But in rural areas most Africans use, on average, only 30-40 litres of water, and in the remotest areas as little as four litres per day. In comparison, 20 litres of water is used when having a shower for 1.5 minutes and the average consumer in the US gets through approximately 380 litres of water per day for domestic purposes alone. 

UWCM work in very remote and rural communities where households do not have running water and although there are some water taps/pumps, many rely on the local river or stream for their water supply.  A simple step such as installing a rainwater harvesting tank would enable families to have access to their own supply of water throughout the year and would reduce the amount of time spent each day on fetching water from the nearest source, as well as improving basic health and sanitation.

Final details of this project will be published as soon as they are agreed but if you would like to have any further information please contact us on ugandaconcernuk@live.co.uk