Uganda (Kapchorwa)
Water Supply Project
Church of Uganda (Anglican)
eMi EA Project 9067

February 16 - 28, 2008

Photos
Ngenge Church
Slopes of Mount Elgon
Collecting Borehole Data
Defunct Borehole
Latrine

Project Scope
The Kapchorwa district lies along the northern slopes of Mount Elgon and reaches down to the plains area to the north. The plains area includes a series of settlement camps in the area of Ngenge (the largest settlement camp in the area). In the Ngenge area, there is a serious lack of potable water for human consumption or use. A number of boreholes exist throughout the area, however, over half are not functioning and of the remaining working boreholes often provide little or low quality water. There is insufficient water supply currently for the population, estimated to number approximately 4,000 people. There is a high amount of water-related disease and death due to lack of potable water and personal hygiene.

This is one of the most poverty stricken areas in the country where disease, malnourishment, poor personal hygiene and death could all be greatly reduced by improved adequate water supplies. In Ngenge and environs, the people were originally cattle keepers; however, due to threats from cattle-rustling tribal groups from the north and neighboring Kenya, many of these people have been displaced to these settlement camps where the Ugandan military provides protection. There have not been raids in the area for approximately a year and many people are looking to resettle in their land; however, are reluctant based on the limited water supply. In addition, many are now looking to agriculture as a substitute to cattle-keeping. However, the plains areas are susceptible both to drought and flooding.

Systemic change is possible, given the availability of natural resources which could be harnessed (i.e. ample water supply from streams on the mountainside). This change could potentially affect the quality of life of the entire Kapchorwa District having a population of 193,510 according to the 2002 Census. Readily available water resources could be utilized for cash crops to grow, including aloe vera, rice, maize, sunflowers, greens, beans, tea, etc.

EMI's role will be to assist with both short and long term planning for water use in the settlements in and around Ngenge. Short term planning will include evaluating interim water supply measures such as repair of existing boreholes and low technology water treatment. Long term planning includes: 1) Performing a feasibility study to assess various large scale water supply options to assist in systematic change in the community. Known potential water supply options include water from a mountain stream and drilling new large-scale production wells in the plains. 2) Completing a preliminary/schematic design (for a general cost estimate and fund raising) for water source/collection, potable water distribution, and irrigation. 3) Based on community meetings, assisting the church in forming a business plan for a large scale water supply and giving feedback to the community on their action plan for long term health and hygiene.

Project Team
Janet Strike - eMi EA Team Leader
Bob Eynck - CE
Jason Lambert - CE
Terry Podmore - Ag
Paul Berg - CE
Ian Pringle - Ag
Greg Osborne - Eng Intern
Jermey Hodel - Eng Intern
Andrew Cigolle - Eng/Business
Doug DeNatale - Hydrogeologist
Kizito Robert - Public Health

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