Bringing Water Back to Life
In the heart of Karamoja, Uganda, access to clean water is a daily challenge that profoundly affects the lives of communities. The well rehabilitation project, a collaboration between STI - Costa Family Foundation and Insieme si può... (ISP), has responded to this urgency. Through the repair of 21 wells, we ensured access to safe water for thousands of people, transforming sanitation and health in one of the most arid and disadvantaged regions of Uganda.
Bringing Water Back to Life: Well Rehabilitation in Karamoja, Uganda
The Karamoja region in Northern Uganda faces immense challenges due to its arid climate and prolonged dry seasons. Access to clean, safe water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) facilities is a critical issue, impacting health and development. While roughly 80% of families rely on village wells for drinking water, frequent pump breakdowns and long distances to functioning sources severely limit access. The importance of clean water has become even more apparent during the recent health emergency, where proper hygiene is vital for preventing the spread of diseases.
In response to this urgent need, the STI – Costa Family Foundation and local partner Insieme si può... (ISP) launched a vital well rehabilitation project in the Moroto and Napak districts of Karamoja.
Exceeding Expectations: More Wells, More Lives Changed
The project initially aimed to repair and maintain 10 wells across 10 communities and villages in the Moroto and Napak districts, ensuring their right to water. During the planning phase, a thorough assessment of existing wells revealed a crucial insight: many non-functional wells suffered from minor, easily repairable damages, or issues that could be resolved with specialized technical training for ISP's local staff.
This discovery allowed the project to achieve an incredible outcome: with the budget originally allocated for 10 wells, a remarkable 21 wells were brought back into operation in as many communities, medical centers, schools, and villages!
Each beneficiary community and facility was selected based on urgent need and the potential number of people whose right to water the intervention would secure. Many repaired wells are located in schools and medical centers, or in strategic areas accessible to multiple villages. Other communities were chosen due to their isolation and distance from other sources of safe drinking water.
Considering that in Uganda, at least 200 people access safe water from each functioning well, this project has directly benefited over 4,600 individuals!
Budgeting for Impact: Flexibility and Dedication
The significant increase in the number of repaired wells (and thus beneficiary communities) necessitated more travel, leading to higher-than-expected costs for transportation and vehicle maintenance. However, the project's financial management demonstrated remarkable efficiency. The budget allocated for well repairs was almost entirely used as planned, allowing for the vast expansion in the number of operational wells. The slight overages in staff and transport costs reflect the increased scope and dedication required to reach more communities.
This project stands as a powerful example of how targeted interventions, combined with local expertise and flexible adaptation, can deliver exceptional results. By bringing clean water back to life, we are not just fixing pumps; we are empowering communities, improving health, and fostering a healthier future for thousands in Karamoja.
