Many villagers gather their drinking water from sources like this pond. (Image courtesy of Lifewater International)
Uganda (MNN) ― Imagine spending an hour just to fetch water that could potentially kill you and your kids. Lifewater International says this is reality for nearly 600 households in northern Uganda.
The ministry recently surveyed 570 random households in the sub-county of Agali. The survey found that a family takes an average of 54 minutes to fetch water, and only 7% of families treat the water to make it safe. Since hand-dug wells are easily contaminated in this region, 61% of Agali households were gathering water that could kill them or their children.
Lifewater created a one-year plan called Project Restoring Dignity to bring safe water and sanitation to these communities. The project's goal is to restore communal and individual dignity by helping communities regain access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and increase knowledge of safe hygiene practices.
With the help of local partner Divine Waters Uganda (DWU), Lifewater aims to make it easier for households to access safe water. So far, DWU has drilled nearly 500 wells, sharing the Gospel in each community.
Pray that many would hear the Gospel through the work of Lifewater and its partners.
Lifewater and DWU also train local committees to manage the wells, and encourage communities to set up a tree-planting program. Tree nurseries generate income for the community and provide firewood for boiling water and cooking.
It costs just $11.85 to provide one person with safe water. Click here to make a difference.
