Wednesday 3 September 2008

Water Water Everywhere and not a drop to drink

Another very early we set off to the Mpigi district south of Kampala to see some of the work done by WaterAid in partnership with the Busoga Trust and Local Government. We crossed the equator, which was exciting. In Kayabwe, Prosy Nabunjo, a young mother, told me how rainfall capturing jars next to her house, built with help from WaterAid provided clean water for her household. The impact of thios provision on lifestyle is amazing. It frees time, as the nearest water previously, was in a quary a mile away. Crime against women and young girls walking to the water hole is still a very real danger. We travelled down very rough tracks through Papyrus filled marsh land to a road accessible Island. Here we saw a farmer Abduno Mageria who using and Ecosan Unit, a latrine that allows the waste to be composted had changed there lives and he was developing a banana, melon and carrot growing business.

We visited school for a short visit which included songs, poems, plays and took over two hours. It was fantastic, although it was apparent that malnutrician is still a factor in this area.

We met the Chief Administartive Officer of Mpindi District Henry Makumbi. The meetings are very formal but beautifully polite and proper, with everybody standing and introducing themselves and thanking everyone. For me work colleagues if we adopt this the front of mind part of the agenda needs to be put back an hour.

Please also see Emily and Carolines blogs on liknk below, they take better notes and type faster than me.

We head to Masindi, a four hour drive Thursday morning

1 comment:

SarahG said...

Hi Dave, Just wanted to say hi, and let you know someone is reading your blog, I'm finding it very interesting! It sounds like the trip is going well so far, so I hope it continues. Can't wait to see all the photos when you get back.
Good luck for the rest of the trip,
Sarah