Nteko Cell, Mugina Sector – For Kampire Adelphine, a mother of one from Ntasi Village, the simple act of fetching water used to be a life-threatening ordeal. Like many in her community, she relied on the Nyabarongo River and nearby marshlands for water, risking crocodile attacks and waterborne diseases. But today, her life and the lives of over 3,000 residents in the area have been transformed, thanks to a groundbreaking water system project completed in 2023 by ARDE/KUBAHO in partnership with Sign of Hope.
The project, which introduced a comprehensive gravitational water supply system, has brought clean, safe water to the heart of the community. The system includes an intake chamber with disinfection, a 4.5-kilometre pipeline, five public water collection points (two kiosks and three water taps), three 10m³ storage tanks, and vapours chambers. Beyond the water infrastructure, the project has also constructed six menstrual hygiene management rooms and nineteen rainwater harvesting tanks across six schools in the Mugina Sector, ensuring that students, especially girls, have access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
Adelphine getting home with a jerican of water
Adelphine vividly recalls the struggles of the past. “We used to walk long distances to fetch water from the marshlands or the Nyabarongo River. The only water we considered ‘clean’ was from the river, but it was dangerous. We lived in fear of crocodiles and waterborne diseases. Now, everything has changed. Clean water is just a few steps away from my home. It’s easy to wash clothes, cook, and care for my family. Waterborne diseases are rare now, and our region is developing because of these infrastructures.”
The impact of the project goes beyond access to clean water. It has also empowered the community through education and training. Ten hygiene clubs have been established across three villages in Nteko Cell, providing comprehensive training on various aspects of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Members, including Adelphine, have learned essential skills such as effective household cleaning, preparing healthy meals, and maintaining proper toilet hygiene.
Adelphine is an active member of the ‘Abaharanirubuzima’ Hygiene Club, where she has gained invaluable knowledge. “We’ve learned approximately 20 lessons, from preparing safe drinking water to keeping our toilets clean. Flies used to swarm our homes because of poor toilet hygiene, but that’s now history. We’ve also learned how to prepare healthy meals and ensure our homes are clean and safe for our families,” she explains.
Getting clean water used to be a struggle for Adelphine and her family
The project has also alleviated the burden on children, particularly girls, who no longer need to travel long distances to fetch water. “We don’t worry about sending our children to fetch water anymore because it’s safe and nearby,” Adelphine says with relief. “This has given our children more time to focus on their studies and other activities.”
The community’s gratitude towards ARDE/KUBAHO and Sign of Hope is profound. The project has not only improved health and hygiene but also fostered a sense of hope and development in the region. Local leaders have noted a significant reduction in waterborne diseases and an increase in school attendance, particularly among girls, who no longer miss classes due to water-fetching duties or menstrual hygiene challenges.
As Adelphine stands near the water kiosk close to her home, she reflects on the transformation her community has undergone. “We thank ARDE/KUBAHO and Sign of Hope for bringing these water infrastructures to us. Our lives have changed for the better, and we are forever grateful. This project has given us hope and a brighter future.”
Practicing Hygiene and Sanitation is now possible
The success of this project highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing critical challenges. For the people of Nteko Cell, clean water is no longer a distant dream—it’s a reality that has brought health, safety, and hope to their doorstep.
Looking ahead, the community is committed to maintaining the new infrastructure and continuing the hygiene practices they’ve learned. With clean water and improved sanitation, Nteko Cell is poised for a brighter, healthier future, proving that access to clean water is not just a basic need but a foundation for sustainable development.
