From scarcity to resilience: A tale of hope in Kassanda district

By Juliet Waiswa and Violet Nabatanzi photo by Juliet Waiswa

In the heart of Kassanda district, Makokoto Parish, a resilient community led by individuals like Pauline Nakyanzi has emerged from the shadows of water scarcity and the grim spectre of the 2022 Ebola outbreak.

Nakyanzi of Bukuya sub-county, vividly recalls the challenges her community faced before the crisis took a toll. Accessing safe drinking water meant braving the 2-kilometre journey to a mosque that has a steady supply. Little did they know that this struggle would intensify with the onset of the Ebola outbreak in September 2022.

"We had a problem of accessing safe water. And when Ebola broke out, the situation worsened. Communities, patients in health centres, and hospitals found themselves without access to safe drinking water. Yet, handwashing was a prerequisite set by the Ministry of Health (M.o.H)." Nakyanzi narrated in a recent interview. 

The confluence of a pre-existing water scarcity issue and the demands for stringent hygiene during the Ebola crisis created a perfect storm for the residents of Kassanda.  

Nakyanzi's journey for water transformed from a daily struggle into a symbol of community resilience. However, amidst adversity, hope emerged.

Nakyanzi's tale represents the situation in many homes in different villages in Kasadanda.

In a recent development, Nakyanzi's prayers to have easy access to clean water have been answered through a project funded by several international organisations. 

In collaboration with local authorities, The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the British High Commission took decisive action, injecting $273,000 into constructing seven solar-powered water tanks.

 The solar-powered water tanks, each with a capacity of 20,000 litres, now stand as beacons of progress, serving not only as a source of clean water but also as a testament to the strength of a united community.

These tanks, placed in healthcare facilities such as Makokoto, Buseregenyu, Musozi, Kyansanswa, Naluntutu, Kijjuna, and Namabaale, address the immediate needs of patients and medical staff. 

Munir Safieldin, the UNICEF representative to Uganda, emphasised the pivotal role of clean water in healthcare settings, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks.

What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to long-term sustainability. The solar-powered system operates with no ongoing costs, eliminating dependence on electricity or fuel. To ensure the continuous functionality of these life-changing tanks, a Water Operation and Management committee has been established, collecting small fees from community members for maintenance and repairs.

As we delve into Nakyanzi’s, story, it becomes a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. The challenges that once defined their daily lives are now overshadowed by the promise of a healthier, more resilient future for Kassanda District.

In every drop of water dispensed by these solar-powered tanks, there echoes a narrative of triumph over adversity, a tale of a community that turned its struggles into stepping stones toward a brighter tomorrow.