Stories
May 12, 2021 • 2 min read
Water is life. But for one rural community in Eastern Uganda accessing clean, safe water was a desperate struggle for many years.
The vast majority of the 4,800 residents of Busolo village, Kyampaga Sub-County in Bugiri District, had to get their water from swamps and other contaminated sources because the nearest safe borehole was a two kilometre walk away.
As a result, villagers were constantly ill with cases of water borne diseases including diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera very high.
Years of water drilling trials by GOAL Uganda and the Bugiri District Technical team failed to discover a safe water source.
Digging for water in Busolo, Uganda
Finding Water
However, in what locals described as a “miracle”, life changed for the community when contractors engaged by GOAL Uganda, with support from its partner charity: water, struck not gold, but water!
This happened after an intensive ground survey to identify a water source in the village began.
When drilling first started 36,000 litres of water per hour was discovered, well above the 10,000 litres of water per hour that was projected. More than enough to serve the whole community of Busolo village, and eliminate their water crisis.
When the news of the recent water discovery emerged local leaders and community members had joyous celebrations.
Safer water
Mutesi Minisa, a 50-year- old mother of five and the treasurer of Busolo Local Council, said: “We as a community are very happy to finally see our prayers for safe water answered.
Mutesi is thankful that GOAL discovered a clean water source to change her life.
Previously, I would walk for about two kilometers in search of water, which would tire my body. We suffered constant typhoid due to the contaminated water from the wells.”
“Because of the long distance, older people could only manage to carry a three litre jerrycan to fetch water. This was not enough to allow them bathe and cook”.
With a beaming smile she added: “I wish to thank GOAL for their relentless efforts in helping the community of Busolo search for water, and helping change all our lives for the better.”
