After some COVID related delays the beginning of 2022 saw the UKAID funded water and sanitation project progressing well and the positive impact beginning to be being felt. So far two boreholes have been constructed in Angorok and Oymai and construction of the final two is underway. The training of Community Based Builders (local youth being trained in construction skills) and latrine construction is ongoing. 10 latrines have been constructed to date. Assisting with the construction of latrines for the vulnerable gives the builders in training a vital opportunity to practice. Households are practicing the safe water chain and have enough water to was themselves regularly, wash their hands more often and to wash clothes and dishes.
“Life was generally very difficult before because the main source of water for drinking and domestic use was an open dam. The water was not safe and clean for consumption and most households reported high cases of waterborne diseases,” says Helen Acipa, a member of the local community who is now part of the Water and Sanitation committee.
The training for Community Based Builders has been well received as it provides a much needed opportunity for the local youth. Emmanuel Esiku, 20, is using the skills he is learning to help his community construct latrines for free. However Emmanuel is also hoping that in the future by using these skills he will be able to help support his family (he is the oldest of 5 children) as well as earn some money to support himself to finish secondary school. BIDS have found a way to allow an additional 7 trainees to join the programme without adding to the overall costs as the demand for the training was so high.
“I had dug a pit for a latrine over 10 years ago but failed to construct the superstructure due to lack of money.” Says Mathilda Ayango, 80, from Angorok. “I had completely lost hope of ever owning and using a standard pit latrine because I imagined how costly it would be. When the Chairperson LC1 (local council) informed me that I had been identified as one of the beneficiaries for the pit latrine subsidy, I was so excited and I knew that God had answered my prayers. I was sensitized on my role and responsibilities and I immediately got someone to help me improve on my pit. I worked together with my grandchildren to mobilize the local materials that were required. I am now very happy that my pit latrine and bath shelter is complete and I have already started using it. I don’t have to suffer again by going to the bushes.”
The project is due to finish in October 2022.