The Search for Safe Water

In a small Ugandan village, Jamilla Nabirye, an elderly woman experienced a daily battle: getting water. Before, her grandchildren would trek for hours, only to bring back one jerrycan full. That little water was for everything – drinking, cooking, washing. Sometimes, Jamilla herself would try to go, but the lines were too long, and she’d plead with people to let her skip ahead. It broke her heart when kids came back with bruises from fights over water.

Jamilla is just one of the approximately 2 billion people worldwide who do not have access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. Because available boreholes are so far apart with long lines of people queuing, many use open wells or water from rivers, streams and swamps. These sources carry water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea that wreak havoc on communities.

Luckily, The Hunger Project stepped in and drilled boreholes in Jamilla’s village. Life began to change.

“After The Hunger Project drilled the boreholes; our hygiene greatly improved; we wash clothes daily, bathe any time and can clean household items. Now, those fights at the water sources have also been reduced.”

Beyond the tangible impact, the boreholes brought the community closer. Together, twelve surrounding villages formed a Water Committee, each contributing a small fee to ensure the boreholes’ longevity. Local stakeholders and village partners gather regularly to learn about the project and build ownership and accountability, and regular THP visits deliver critical information on hygiene and borehole maintenance.

All of this helps to ensure long term, sustainable adoption so that Jamilla and her family can continue to lead happier and healthier lives.