The Water Plus initiative began three years ago with an initial budget of about $125,000 USD. After developing a full proposal and budget by John Odolon, there was a hiatus due to lack of resources. When the project resumed, it was determined a site visit and a relationship between the entirety of the Odenaansan Ugandan team and the community as a whole was required so the team decided to visit the Agereger village at the headwaters of the Nile to gain a clearer understanding of the water crisis and determine how best to help but also develop an official agreement with the community.
Upon arrival, the gravity of the situation was strongly impressed on us. The situation was found to be far worse than initially reported, with the community facing severe water shortages.
In reflecting on this and the amount of money it will take for a new borehole to be set up, we suggested remediating the existing boreholes as an interim solution while an overall plan was developed.
In response, we prepared a report suggesting an emergency Water Plus solution that would focus on rehabilitating existing boreholes. We also proposed the installation of at least four rainwater storage tanks as a temporary measure while we worked towards completing the original, larger-scale Water Plus project.
The emergency humanitarian project was estimated to require a budget of 10,000cdn but as of now, our efforts have not raised the money needed. Currently though , the village is experiencing the annual heavy rainy season, which presents an opportunity to implement a rainwater harvesting system to help prepare for the upcoming dry season.
Given our limited funding, we’ve decided to take advantage of the rain and focus on this rainwater harvesting solution for the moment so that we try to provide four rainwater storage tanks, which will be distributed across the village.
FIGURE ONE AGEREGER (Population 3000 estimated)
| Tanks considered | 4 tanks |
| Tank Capacity | 5000 Litres each |
| Cost per tank | 400cdn each 1600 for 4 |
| Cost of installation | 100cdn each 400 for 4 |
| Total cost | 2000cdn |
These tanks are not a complete solution but they will offer much-needed relief to the community as they await a more long-term solution.
Although it is not a complete fix, this rainwater storage system will significantly reduce the water shortage, offering some relief for the community during the coming months.
