KISORO: Residents of Nyanamo Town Council in Bukimbiri Sub county, Kisoro District, are breathing a sigh of relief thanks to a new, affordable rainwater harvesting technology introduced with support from Caritas Kabale Diocese.
The underground tanks are constructed by excavating the ground and installing a tap line with a pump at the top. Each tank has the capacity to collect over 60,000 litres of rainwater during the wet season, providing enough water to support five to ten households for more than four months during the dry season.
So far, over 28 households, organized in various community groups, have benefited from this project. It is being implemented by Caritas Kabale Diocese with support from the Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment (FCDE) and the Confluence Institute of East Africa (CIEA).
Annette Tushemerirwe, one of the beneficiaries of the underground rainwater harvesting tanks, praised the initiative, saying it has significantly reduced the burden of accessing safe and clean water at a relatively low cost.
CUE IN TUSHEMERIRWE……ON THE INITIATIVE…….RR//
According to Amerius Nkesiga, the project officer overseeing the area, the initiative aims to boost livelihoods and improve crop production. Now in its second year, the project is renewed annually based on the performance of the implementers and the availability of funding.
CUE IN NKESIGA…….ON THE INITIATIVE……..ENG//
This rainwater harvesting project is one of several humanitarian interventions spearheaded by Caritas. Others include improved Irish potato storage through the construction of diffused light stores (DLS), which help maintain seed quality and enhance production. These stores have been established in Hakabaya Village and Karengyere in Muko Sub county.
These development projects were showcased on Friday during the 15th National Caritas Week convention, hosted by Kabale Diocese from Tuesday, April 8th to Sunday, April 13th.
Held under the theme “Caritas Empowering Communities – For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food,” the week will conclude with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral.
