Project Area: Masindi
Update Period: 4th Quarter, January – March 2010
Statistical Overview of Quarter:
Shallow Hand Dug Wells: 8 wells
School Sanitation Awareness Campaigns: 6 schools
Sanitation Week: 2 communities
Approximate Number of People Benefiting from Programmes: 11,800
Programme Activity:
1) Shallow Well Construction: The Masindi office constructed 8 shallow hand dug wells during the fourth quarter. Seven were funded by their primary donor, Busoga Trust America, and one was funded by a private donor to the organization. The wells were built within Pakanyi and Kigumba sub counties in Masindi district. No major problems were encountered during the construction, but the commencement of the rainy season in early March occasionally made transporting materials to the field difficult. The construction of the eight wells has seen approximately 6,400 people gain access to clean water which will considerably reduce the prevalence of water borne diseases amongst the population. To further limit disease transmission the Masindi office sought to improve sanitation coverage in each partner community as well. Pick axes and shovels were provided to residents to help them dig pit latrines within their homesteads.
2) School Sanitation Awareness Campaign: Busoga Trust Masindi staff worked in cooperation with the Masindi District Water Office on a project known as the School Sanitation Awareness Campaign. Carried out through funding provided to the district by WaterAid, the project focused on improving sanitation facilities and hygienic practices in six primary schools. Boreholes and latrines were constructed at each school while Busoga Trust staff carried out education seminars with students on personal and environmental hygiene. They also organized school health clubs with representatives from each grade level to act as role models for their fellow students. Improving sanitation and hygiene standards within the school will create a better environment in which children can learn and grow. Approximately 3,900 students benefited from the program.
3) Sanitation Week: The Masindi office partnered up with the District Water Office once again to help implement activities for National Sanitation Week. Two villages were identified to be the focus of the week due to their particularly poor levels of sanitation. An intensive home improvement campaign was carried out over a two week period to significantly raise the standards within the chosen communities. The construction of pit latrines, animal houses, bath shelters, rubbish pits, clothes lines, raised drying racks and hand washing facilities was promoted. Busoga Trust staff members were part of the team which moved to each home and sensitized residents about the need for and ways to maintain a hygienic household. Around 1,500 people were impacted by the home improvement campaign. The Masindi office also funded a radio show to reach a larger audience about the need for good health practices. Sanitation week was capped off with a large celebration which saw prizes given to the individuals who made the most improvements in their homes. By working in partnership with the district Busoga Trust in Masindi is helping to consistently promote good hygienic behavior.
To View Picture from Masindi, Click on the Following Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/busogatrustuk/sets/72157623927481467/show/