Access to clean water

During the installation of a solar hot water system at Rugando Parents School, it became clear that the system required a storage tank to regulate water pressure. At the same time, the school’s main water supply was disrupted, with no indication of when it would be restored.

With no running water available, staff were forced to collect water from a nearby stream. Although this water could be made safer by boiling, children did not always understand the risks and were drinking untreated water, increasing the danger of water-borne infections and parasites.

To address this urgent need, we used charity funds to install a large freshwater reserve tank, mounted on a purpose-built tower. This immediately provided the school with a reliable emergency supply of clean water.

Since installation, the reserve tank has proved vital during further interruptions to the water supply, ensuring pupils and staff always have access to safe water.

More recently, the Provincial Government has laid new water mains throughout the village, which should improve long-term supply reliability. The freshwater tank continues to play an important role by supporting the solar hot water system, helping reduce the amount of wood burned to heat water by approximately 66%

"Projects like this help protect children’s health while reducing long-term costs and environmental impact."