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The Unit partnered with the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a not-for-profit subsidiary of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to launch the Safe Water Project in Lyantonde and Kalungu districts, in Southwestern Uganda.

Launched by Hon. Aisha Sekindi, the state minister for Water, the project aims to improve the health and well-being of communities, protect the environment, implement sustainable water solutions to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, and empower local communities through education on water hygiene and sanitation in some of the most vulnerable communities across Lyantonde and Kalungu districts.

Engineer Joseph Oriono Eyatu, Commissioner for Rural Water Supply & Sanitation at Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, said:

“SCIF’s initiative is a gesture of commitment by development partners to support government interventions. Rural areas in Uganda face a significant water challenge, with nearly 18,000 villages lacking safe water access. SCIF’s timely support instills hope in mitigating the economic effects of climate change in water-stressed areas like Lyantonde, Kalungu, and Isingiro.”

The project aims to repair and refurbish 16 broken-down hand pump boreholes located in selected central points in communities. It will also install solar motorized water pumps and build community capacity to use and protect safe water sources that seek to increase sustainable access to clean water for all.

Mr Mbetgyerize Godfrey, the RDC Lyantonde, stated:

“SCIF’s contribution to the people of Kabura, Lyantonde, extends beyond just safe water; it provides what was previously unavailable, access to water. As a district and community, we pledge to safeguard all aspects of SCFI’s safe water project. To my fellow citizens of Lyantonde, let us cherish and preserve this water. When SCIF and Water Aid return in five years, may they find every tap still in perfect working order.”

Dr. Paddy Kayondo, the RDC Kalungu, said:

“Access to safe water is indispensable for local communities because it reduces the risk of contracting waterborne diseases, improves productivity, and enhances economic development. Today, I am happy to witness the collaboration between development partners and the government. This represents an effective, sustainable solution for providing clean water and improved sanitation to local communities like Kalungu.”

SCIF Uganda is based at the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit and aims to develop and facilitate targeted community-based initiatives that reduce and mitigate the environmental, social, and economic effects of climate change on rural communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, the Director of the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research

Unit stated:

“At the heart of our mission at the Unit is a commitment to conducting scientific research and

capacity building of the highest quality, with a significant impact on health outcomes for

communities in Uganda, Africa, and worldwide. The noble aim of the Sustainable Climate

Impact Fund (SCIF) to address the adverse effects of climate change through projects that

empower communities to make positive lifestyle changes strongly aligns with our mission but

also with our commitment to working with the communities for better health. We are therefore

pleased to collaborate with this initiative through the London School of Hygiene and Tropical

Medicine (LSHTM).”

The Operations Director of SCIF, Ola Bankole said:

“SCIF is honoured and privileged to be launching our first set of projects here in Uganda.

Building on the long-standing legacy of partner institutions like the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM,

we are committed to implementing practical interventions that improve the lives and well-being

of communities. This safe water initiative represents the start of a long-term partnership with

communities across the country and the first of many projects SCIF will be undertaking in

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Juliet Kabasiita, the SCIF Country Coordinator in Uganda stated:

“Easy access to safe water is crucial for good health. Without it, communities cannot thrive.

Climate change poses a global challenge that requires immediate action and can also

jeopardise our access to safe water. It is imperative that we confront these challenges directly,

and the SCIF project stands as a testament to our dedication to enhancing health and

addressing environmental concerns.”

About the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund: The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF)

collaborates with communities in Uganda, with a specific focus on regions vulnerable to the

adverse effects of climate change. As a subsidiary of the globally renowned London School of

Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), SCIF is committed to reducing, mitigating, and

avoiding the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change on communities.

SCIF’s projects are designed to promote community health, socio-economic development,

and environmental sustainability, earning certification through the rigorous Gold Standard

process and methodology which ensures carbon credits can be generated for offsetting of

carbon emissions.

About the Safe Water Project: SCIF conducted an extensive project scoping exercise in

select districts of Uganda to identify the most pressing challenges faced by communities and

determine the most effective interventions. As a result, the Safe Water Project emerged as

SCIF’s first initiative. In partnership with its delivery partner WaterAid Uganda, SCIF has

refurbished defunct boreholes and established new solar-powered motorised water points.

These efforts have resulted in a total of 16 strategically located water points in Lyantonde and

Kalungu districts. The project aligns with seven Sustainable Development Goals and

contributes to Uganda’s ambitious target of providing clean water and improved sanitation for all by 2030.

Impact of the Safe Water Project: The refurbishment and installation of boreholes will greatly

enhance access to clean water, thereby reducing waterborne diseases and diarrhea, while

improving air quality and related health outcomes. By eliminating the need for boiling water,

the project also contributes to emissions reduction, mitigating the effects of climate change.

The community hygiene education programs, led by experienced partners in Uganda, will

accompany each installed borehole. SCIF is committed to ensuring the long-term

sustainability of the water points through local capacity development for maintenance and

providing external support when needed.