The Kintuto Women's Association
Hayes & Jarvis advert in the 2010 Green Awards programme promoting its partnership with Just a Drop and the Uganda project.
A recent visit was undertaken by Colonel Mike Reynolds – Trustee for projects and John Purefoy - Project officer in October 2010.
This is a report on what they saw, experienced and an update on current progress.
This project aims to bring about a substantial improvement in the supply of clean water and sanitation to approximately 1350 people. This population is spread over five villages in Mpigi District, about fifty kilometres west of the capital, Kampala.
The title for this project is slightly misleading as it would suggest that the beneficiaries are purely women, perhaps working as a co-operative. The reality is that the Kituntu Women’s Association was set up many years ago to help improve the lives of the local people. It has grown substantially now to include many people with a variety of skills and expertise to bring about the changes that are needed. However it has retained its name.
Our first meeting was with the Chairman of the region. He is the man responsible for the day to day running of the area and would be the arbiter in first instance of any disputes. He welcomed us warmly and insisted on accompanying us to the work that had been completed and in progress.
Project Summary – Conclusion
Water Jars
There are a total of six water jars, one of these has been completed and there are five waiting for the work to start.
Latrines
There is a total of 6 blocks to be installed, one of these blocks has now been completed, two are almost finished and there are three blocks remaining to be started.
Wells
There are a total of 3 wells to be completed, one of these wells has now been completed and is in full use however the two remaining wells are currently work in progress.
Training
Water and Sanitation Committees are now in hand to start educating the local village members.
The community is exceptionally poor and are overwhelmingly grateful for what has already been constructed. The old women virtually prostrated themselves in thanks and would not let go of my hand.
The project is due to be completed in January 2011 according to Marion Nakimbugwe, the Association Chairman she is a very switched on and credible lady.
She said that as election campaigning starts in January the project has to be complete by then or it will come to a halt.
Certainly any person visiting the project, would come away with a strong sense that lives were being transformed by the money that you were kind enough to provide for them. It is impossible to overstate the importance of what has been achieved because, put quite simply, people will live who might otherwise have died.
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