The 2015 World
Water Day came at a time when the achievements of the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) are being assessed. According to the sector performance report
2013, there has been an increased access to safe water to 70% of the population
in urban areas and to 64% of the population in the rural areas. The
country-wide household latrine coverage has also improved from 69.6% 9 to 71%,
while hand washing with soap after latrine usage has improved from the 27% to
29% (Water and Environment Sector
Report 20013).
Gulu Water coverage stands at 75%, sanitation at 64% and hand washing being at
24% as reported by Mr. Ongom Robert (Assistant District Water Officer in charge
of Health).
Although there has been great improvement towards
improving access to water and sanitation coverage in Gulu, sustainability remains an issue. Amref Health Africa-Uganda
recognizes this challenge and is working towards increasing the functionality
of water infrastructures in all her operating areas. To mark the World Water
Day on March 22nd, Amref joined Gulu District Local government and other
stakeholders to celebrate the achievements at Kauda Ground in Gulu
Municipality.
The function begun with
a joyful matching of school children, teachers, local leaders and community
members from various divisions with support from Police (Traffic Officers) who
ensured safety of the participants during the match and celebration.
During a joyful matching on 22/3/15
in Gulu District
The World Water Day theme “Water for Sustainable Development”
well suited the commemoration and all participants including the partner
organizations, community members, children and local leaders were urged to act
responsibly towards ensuring good operation and maintenance of water facilities
for sustainable development.
Mr. Ojala Martin (LCV)
and the chief guest
recognized partners for joint efforts towards commemoration of the WWD and
their great contribution towards increasing access to safe water, sanitation
and hygiene in the district. He appealed to partners to consider supporting the
district by constructing public latrines at different spots including markets
as the situation is alarming. He also tasked the responsible offices in the
district to demolish all filthy toilet structures in the municipality.
The key partners who jointly supported district in the
organization of the WWD included NWSC, Amref, World Vision, JICA, CLEAR WATER
and Baptist Drilling Company. These were also given an opportunity to exhibit some
of their works and technologies being implemented.
Pupils pumping water from a simply
designed borehole from plastic bottles at JICA exhibition Stall
Pupils show cased best WASH practices
in pictorial form
The function was graced
with educative songs and drama from various schools mainly supported by Amref
all highlighting the importance of safe water, sanitation and hygiene in
relation to day today life and their performance in schools. They also educated
participants on WASH best practices and thanked the government and development
partners for all the programs being implemented in their schools and Gulu
district at large that are aimed at improving access to health, water,
sanitation and hygiene among others.
Pupils from Kirombe P/S joined by
guests on stage in their tradition dance presentation
The Guest of honor also
recognized key partners and individuals for the outstanding support to Gulu
District Local Government towards the provision of Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene services for the financial year 2014/2015. These included Amref, NWSC,
World Vision and JICA.
Amref Staff receiving a certificate of outstanding support from the guest of honor
Side events included
free counseling and testing for HIV Aids that attracted many youth, men and
women during the WWD commemoration.
Although there has been great improvement in
increasing access to water in Gulu, some communities still spends more than 30 minutes lining
for water.
Amref Health Africa spearheaded
the mobilization and supported the WWD commemoration with a brass band from St
Morit P/S, Radio talk show and spot messages, facilitated 20 schools to
participate (transport, snacks and refreshments) facilitated Health Inspectors
for field visits (assessing schools performance towards Operation and
maintenance of WASH facilities (fuel and SDA). This is in addition to the
facilitation made to 5 health workers who conducted outreach activities during
the commemoration.
It was a successful commemoration with everybody happy and dancing throughout the day.
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