Well Drilling, Well Rehabilitation, and Health Promotion in Northern Uganda

For many years the people of northern Uganda suffered from violent conflicts between the rebel group Lord's Resistance Army and government forces. Now communities are rebuilding, but decades of water have destroyed basic infrastructures, disrupted traditional farming practices, and led to crippling dependence on emergency food aid. The average monthly income is sixteen dollars. Emotional wounds from the violence have left a people struggling to hold on to hope.

Many water wells are broken, and Lifewater's partner estimates that only 50 percent of residents in this project's target area have access to safe water. Just 42 percent have basic sanitary facilities. Community members report that children are dying of malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections. The simple act of handwashing with soap can reduce the incidence of diarrheal disease and other infectious illnesses by one-third, yet only 5 percent of villages surveyed had handwashing facilities.

Lifewater and its partner are working together to address these needs through a 12-month project focused on sharing Christ's love along with water development, sanitation, and hygiene activities. This project will increase access to safe water for approximately 20,000 people through drilled and rehabilitated wells.

The total budget for this project is $129,936, and the projected cost per capita will be approximately seen dollars, well within industry standards.

Join Lifewater in meeting the needs of northern Ugandans. Contact Erin Roberts at eroberts@lifewater.org.