Buwunga Community Water Project

2019 has gotten off to a busy start for PICC’s Buwunga Community Water Project.  Buwunga is a disadvantaged community along the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda and this project is funding the construction of a community well with three distribution points, providing access to clean water for ~1,300 people.

PICC has partnered with Water Mission, a well-respected, international NGO with significant experience with borehole construction, who will provide oversight and advice throughout the project.  The work will be divided into 2 phases: Phase 1, which is currently underway, will consist of the surveying and drilling of the borehole; Phase 2 will involve the installation of pipes and tanks.   Since January 1st we have:

• Identified a local companyto conduct the siting and the drilling of the borehole.  This experienced contractor has successfully completed similar projects with European donors and local communities.
• Conducted a series of site visits to decide on well placement. These visits build on an environmental survey conducted by the District Water Office completed at the end of 2018.
• Met with Buwunga community leaders to agree on the construction plan and view previous projects by the proposed contractors. This builds on the support of the Buwunga Community Health and Education Association Community and reflects the centrality of community engagement and involvement to the project.

We are currently finalizing the contract for siting, drilling and pump testing and we are excited to announce that drilling will begin in mid-March!

Plans are also underway to link this project to some of our other work.   We are in discussion with a Ugandan entrepreneur to collaborate on our youth programming, including sponsorship of a football tournament and a bike race around the launch of the well.  We are also exploring a collaboration on a youth skills-building program and expanding the reach of the Buwunga Primary School to allow more children access to education.

The benefits of clean water are enormous, and include improved health and sanitation, increased free-time for children to attend school, and increased time for women to focus on income-generating projects. Thank you for your generosity in supporting Peace Island Children's Center. We look forward to providing further updates on this project, along with our other work with the Lake Victoria fishing communities.