Improved living conditions at Lake Victoria

In the villages on the banks of Lake Victoria, almost two thirds of the people live directly or indirectly from fishing. Most of the silver fish is sold.

Before being sold, the fish are dried. What used to take place on the ground now takes place on racks. The fish are thus protected from contamination, especially the remains of open defecation.

Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge, but more often people lack the means to build adequate toilets for themselves. Where there are toilets, they are usually only simple wooden sheds, like here in Bugula.

Communal toilets improve the situation considerably. Locations are mainly the much frequented boat landing stages and market places in the project area.

And the disposal of faeces is also organized. A septic tank vehicle was purchased and women from the self-help groups trained for this job. The toilet user committees commission this service.

The starting point for the positive changes on site is the water supply. Several wells have already been built in previous projects. Currently there are still three wells to be drilled.

The water user committees are responsible for the maintenance of the new wells and hand pumps - like this one in Kasibante. Fees are introduced and managed for the maintenance and repair of the water systems.

Margaret Nakafu is one of the women who are called in when the pumps stop working. At KWDT she was trained as a hand pump mechanic.

Another health risk is posed by garbage lying around. The goal of the project is therefore to establish functioning waste management systems.

In Kiziru, the new waste management team is already in place.

Not least the Corona crisis has shown how important good hygiene practices are. Hand washing stations are being built in the project area and there are education campaigns.

Above all, the villagers are happy that washrooms are being built where people can take a shower safely and securely.