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First drink for the cattle at one of the new water troughs

Karamoja - Teso Water Development Programme. Uganda. 1994-1998

Aim and Location

In September 1990, following the civil war in Uganda, Christian International Peace Service (CHIPS) was invited by local government chiefs and church leaders to help stabilise the fragile peace between the Karamojong and Itesot people. In 1992, because the water supply situation in the area was particularly acute, CED was invited to advise on the problem. A preliminary investigation concluded that a rural water development programme would be an essential element in promoting the resettlement of dispersed groups. Such a scheme was also seen as a vehicle for fostering co-operation between the two tribes by them worked together on water projects for their mutual benefit.

CED therefore designed a four-year water development programme of which the principal elements were:

• 38 hand-dug shallow wells fitted with hand pumps.
• The rehabilitation of two earth dams (using ox-drawn dam scoops for earth moving).
• The construction of a 14km long gravity piped water supply.

Joint funding for the scheme was obtained in April 1994.

Results

The work was completed by 1998 and was undertaken entirely by community groups assisted by a few paid craftsmen, with technical supervision and guidance being given by CED's Engineer working on site in Uganda. The specific results were:

• Resettlement was enabled to proceed in the Kapelebyong, Achowa, and Obalanga areas of Teso and at Apetolem, Iriri and Lamarotoiti in Karamoja.
• Water was made available to 10,000 people.
• Up to 50% reduction of diarrhoea diseases and worm infestations amongst communities.
• A reduction of guinea worm infection among the Karamajong of Iriri was noted.
• A programme of pit latrine construction, remote from shallow well sites, provided protection to the ground water resources.
• Women were particularly active in the local water committees and benefited from improved family health and vitality, as well as establishing a role for themselves in the councils of the community.

Following completion, shallow well construction and dam rehabilitation has continued in the area, the methods and experience gained from the project having allowed this replication of the scheme to proceed.

Role of CED

CED was the design authority and provided technical advice and supervision on site during implementation. CED entered into a Joint Funding Agreement with the British Government's Department for International Development (DFID), with matching funds being obtained from other UK private sources. CED was the fund holder, accounting for all expenditure, which was later audited.

Total Cost of Project

The Total cost of the project was €413,914 (£254,075).

Project Donors