By Patricia Namutebi
In the semi-arid desert of Karamoja, Uganda, access to clean water has been a longstanding challenge. The region’s seasonal rivers often dry up due to recurring droughts, exacerbating water scarcity.
The Problem
For Lamojin Rose, a 40-year-old mother of 10 from Lakara village, the struggle was real. “We used to suffer greatly with open water sources contaminated with animal and human waste. Our children were prone to water-borne diseases and skin infections. The older girls couldn’t attend school due to menstrual hygiene concerns.”
Young girls always faced a challenge of rape and defilement as they walked long distances in search for water.
Sustainable Solutions
Innovation Africa, an Israeli based NGO, has addressed this challenge by introducing a solar-powered water system that pumps water directly into homesteads and schools. Rose notes, “This innovation has transformed our lives.” Ajara a teacher at Lakara Primary School, adds, “Before the solar-powered water system, our students’ school days were disrupted by fetching water from distant sources. Early childhood marriages were also prevalent due to lack of access to education.” The project has impacted over one million people in Uganda with 271 completed projects.
“In Karamoja alone we are working in Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk Districts but we are expecting to expand to Napak and Abim,” says the regional manager, Charles Losike.
Girl Child empowerment
Daphine, a bright-eyed student, dreams of becoming a nurse. She shares, “Now that we have access to clean water, we can wash our clothes and reusable sanitary pads. We’ve also learned about agriculture by watering vegetables. The solar-powered electricity enables us to study at night, and we prefer boarding school life.” “I want to become a nurse so that I treat people in my community.” She stresses.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
In Karamoja, a cultural practice of child marriage and rape and defilement have hindered girls’ education. However, with improved access to clean water and education, girls like Daphine can now pursue their dreams.
Sustainable Solutions
Engineer Rachel Mutenyo emphasizes the importance of sustainability: “We ensure our taps have track numbers for carbon credits and conduct regular laboratory tests to guarantee safe drinking water.”
In Nasinyonoit Village alone, the solar system pumps the water to 38 taps within 6.9 kilometres.
Tap water enabled by the solar pump
Charles Losike also adds that since the water is ready to drink this system is very environmentally friendly. “we are instead encouraging the community to plant and water trees. He however says that the challenge they are addressing is on the community to adapt to mantainance of the system and water use. “This will improve with time as we work together with the schools teachers as well as parents.” He assures.
A Brighter Future
The introduction of renewable energy water systems in Karamoja has improved health, education, and overall well-being. By understanding the impact of water and technology on children at school, we can work towards creating more effective and sustainable solutions that support education and overall well-being. Children during a lesson at lakara primary school.
