October 18, 2011

The Diocese of Kigezi has once again been recognised by the Ministry of Water and Environment for its outstanding performance in the Water and Sanitation sector.

The Diocese received an award as the ‘Most Outstanding NGO' in Water and Sanitation promotion for the financial year 2010/2011 during the just concluded Joint GoU/Development Partners' Water and Environment Sector Review held at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala from 11th -13th October 2011.

The Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme (KDWSP) is an active rural community development arm which aims at improving access to clean and safe water and hygiene practices by empowering the rural poor, particularly women and children in the Diocese of Kigezi, which shares the same boundaries as Kabale District.

Although it is a faith based institution, KDWSP, serves all people irrespective of religious or political affiliations.

In 2010/2011, KDWSP constructed 1,146 fully functional water supplies, 80 gravity flow tap-stands, 522 rain water jars (420 liters), 100 rainwater jars (1,500 liters), 50 flexible water tanks (1,000 liters), 170 ferrocement tanks (4,000 litres) for women groups and the elderly; 88 ferrocement tanks (4,000 litres) for people living with HIV/AIDS and 4 ferrocement tanks (4,000 litres) for people with disabilities, 12 institutional tanks (20,000 litres) and 8 demonstration tanks (4,000-10,000 litres).

Additionally, 619 new WATSAN committee members were trained in resource mobilisation and maintenance of water systems. The project has extended its services to other dioceses, particularly Soroti Diocese, where 40 artisans were trained in various rainwater harvesting technologies. KDWSP also engaged in training for integrated development awareness campaign for 185 Church and 485 Government leaders. And in a move to contribute towards environmental conservation, KDWSP worked with Kabale District Forest Office, Kasooni and Ihunga communities to plant over 3,300 pinus patula tree seedlings.

KDWSP is receiving this award for the second time, having received it in 2005/2006 under the leadership of the current Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda. The current Programme Co-ordinator attributes the programme success to God's guidance, Development Partner's support, Government of Uganda's enabling environment, Integrity of the Diocesan Leadership, Non-discrimination and community engagement approach, good and strong foundation laid by his predecessors, Cooperation with District Leadership, commitment of KDWSP staff and cordial working relationship with all stakeholders particularly the beneficiaries.

Currently KDWSP is funded by Tearfund UK, Tearfund Switzerland, USAID, Tear Netherlands and Aqua for All, Edirisa Foundation (UK), Individuals and Churches.

Under KDWSP, Kigezi Diocese has been able to construct 46 gravity flow scheme (the biggest being of 28.2 km with 51 tap stands); 135 institutional tanks of 20,000litres at schools, churches and health centres; 1,140 ferrocement tanks of 4,000 litres at house hold level by women who were trained in rainwater harvesting; 289 ferrocement tanks of 4,000 litres funded by government of Uganda as a rainwater harvesting pilot project; 12,000 water jars of 420 litres at house hold level; 230 bio-sand filters; protected 927 springs; and trained 134 artisans from eight districts of South Western Uganda, 32 from The Republic of Rwanda and 40 in Soroti and Kumi Districts in different rainwater harvesting technologies.

To find out more about KDWSP please contact Rev. Reuben Byomuhangi – Programme Co-ordinator on +256-772-524-139 and +256-751-000-405 or E-mail: kdwd@infocom.co.ug, and reubenbyomuhangi@yahoo.com. Website: http://www.kigezi-watsan.ug.

Anglican Communion News Service, London
From the Church of Uganda