Access to Clean Water

Access to safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for health, learning, and dignity. Yet, a significant number of Uganda’s public primary (UPE) schools lack reliable sources of clean water, exposing learners and school communities to waterborne diseases, chronic absenteeism, and diminished educational outcomes.

Through the Rotary Safari for WASH Fellowship, we are committed to addressing this critical gap by implementing sustainable clean water solutions in UPE schools. Our goal is to ensure that every learner and staff member has consistent, safe, and adequate access to clean drinking water every day, in line with national WASH standards.

Program Objective

To increase access to clean and safe water in Uganda’s UPE schools through the provision of reliable, sustainable, and school-appropriate water supply systems.

Key Components & Activities

1. Needs Assessment & Feasibility Studies

Before any intervention, we conduct a comprehensive needs assessment at the targeted school to determine:

• The current state of water access

• Source reliability and quality

• Seasonal water availability

• Proximity to water sources

• Water usage demands based on student population

Feasibility studies are also done to identify the most appropriate water solution, whether rainwater harvesting, borehole drilling, or connection to piped water systems.

2. Installation of Water Supply Systems

We implement context-specific, environmentally appropriate, and sustainable water systems, including:

• Rainwater Harvesting Systems
  Installation of rooftop gutter systems, storage tanks, and filtration units to collect and store rainwater during wet seasons.

• Borehole Drilling and Hand Pump Installation
  Where rainfall is insufficient or unreliable, we drill boreholes and install hand pumps or solar-powered pumps for year-round water access.

• Connection to Piped Water Systems
  In urban or peri-urban schools near municipal water lines, we support connections to piped water and install water access points.

3. Water Treatment and Quality Assurance

Safe water is more than just availability—it must be free from contamination. The program includes:

• Regular water quality testing (bacteriological and chemical analysis)

• Provision of low-cost water treatment systems (e.g., chlorination units or ceramic filters)

• Training on safe water handling and storage within school premises

4. Water Storage Infrastructure

To ensure availability during dry spells or peak demand, we construct or provide:

• Overhead or ground-level water storage tanks (1,000–10,000 liters)

• Distribution points around the school to reduce congestion and queuing

• Drainage systems to avoid water stagnation and related mosquito breeding risks

5. Operation, Maintenance & Sustainability

No water system is sustainable without proper maintenance. Therefore, our program emphasizes:

• Training school staff and student WASH club members on operation and routine maintenance

• Formation of School Water Committees responsible for system oversight

• Provision of basic tools and spare parts for local repair

• Linkage to local artisans or community-based service providers for technical support

Expected Outcomes

• 100% of targeted schools equipped with reliable clean water sources

• Daily access to at least 1.5 liters of safe water per learner (as per Uganda’s WASH guidelines)

• Reduced absenteeism related to water-fetching duties or waterborne illnesses

• Improved classroom attendance and participation, especially among girls

• Decreased incidence of diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and other water-related diseases

• Strengthened school-community partnerships for long-term water system management