Quarterly WASH Journal

Vision Foreword

WaterAid’s vision is of a Uganda where everyone has access to safeMission water and sanitation.

WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. We work with partners and influence decision-makersOur values to maximize our impact. Inclusive

WaterAid aims to be inclusive in all that we do. We Welcome the WaterAid WASH work with economically poor and marginalised Journal, the sector was voted best people who often miss out; these include women and performing sector in Uganda. girls, those living with HIV/AIDS, minority ethnic Even then I am delighted that we groups, older and disabled people and those who have articles covering pertinent face discrimination. The needs and voices of the issues of recent discussion in out communities we work with, our staff, volunteers, sector and our programme work partners and stakeholders shape our policy and that you continuously support. Alwayspractice. learning This edition includes a profile on the Water and Environment At WaterAid, learning is central to our practice. We Honorable Maria Mutagamba and continually evolve to make sure that our work is an interview with the Executive sustainable, innovative,Collaborative relevant and effective. Director Doreen Wandera Kabasindi six months going forward on the job. The water and sanitation crisis will only be solved by collaborative action. Our engagement with other WaterAid Uganda has been organisations, communities, staff and supporters petitioning for a pro poor underpins our success.Accountable We value their diversity. indicator that will ensure the sector performance and planning caters for the rights and access of We believe that we should be accountable, responsive WASH services please take time and transparent to those we serve and those who to sign the petition card within Inspiring support us. the newsletter and add you voice to ours.

WaterAid is a passionate champion of the role Thank you for your continued safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation play support and have a nice reading. in improving health and education and reducing Courageouspoverty. Tim Fowler We set ambitious goals, raise challenging questions Country Representative and speak with courage and conviction. We are assertive yet humble and respectful. WaterAid Uganda

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 2 Note from Editorial Team

Editorial Team:

Welcome to the first issue of Rebecca Alowo the WaterAid Uganda Quarterly Yael Velleman Journal. We want to bring James Kiyimba our readers insightful, useful, Editor In chief: Juliet Abaliwano analytical and entertaining articles on the subjects relating Layout and design: Davis Ddamulira to WASH. Photography: Drile Victor, Appling technology, policy Grand Brand Ltd and efficient programming to WaterAid Uganda WASH issues may not readily James Kiyimba be possible at times but the Contact: prospective stakeholders in the WaterAid Uganda WASH domain should definitely P.O. Box 11759 be informed as to what is out Plot 90 Luthuli, there to make efficient/effective, Bugolobi safe and eco-conscious decisions. Kampala Uganda [email protected] Finally on a lighter note we delve into the pleasures and responsibilities of manning the sector with some key interviews. Contents

WASH SERVICE DELIVERY |

PROFILES | Baffling Unit Costs

SANITATION Maria | Mutagamba Minister of Water and Environment

JOIN WATERAID GoingUGANDA for GrowthPETITION |

NUMBERS | Petition Card

A DAY IN THE RankLIFE Your | District

PRO-POOR TECHNOLOGY Interview | with Doreen Kabasindi Wandera

ENERGY | Prepaid Meters in the Urban

Energy Efficient WASH Programming 3 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

WASH SERVICE DELIVERY Baffling Unit Costs

Vincent Njuguna and Rebecca Alowo

High unit costs may rob funds that would for this trend there is a growing sector have gone to other deserving areas. This voice seeking explanation regarding these article seeks to examine and put into fluctuations. context the current debate on unit costs in the WASH sub sector in Uganda. Unit According to Rural Water Department costs are important indicators as it shows in Ministry of Water and Environment, the efficiency and use of scarce resources adequate per capita costs are fundamental while per capita costs measure how much delivering to the rural and urban supply it costs to deliver a service, per person. The water sector investment plan, which Ugandan poverty focus indicates that units they derive using a special Unit Cost costs seem to have a significant bearing to Estimating Tool that is built up technology WASH development. Between the period by technology by examining typical bill of of 2003 to 2009 the unit cost per water quantities. technology has increased and fluctuated significantly as shown in figure 1 and 2. With increasing demand for justification

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 4 Graff-1

Figure1: Trends in per capita investment cost for small towns in $, (source: JSR, 2009)

Graff-2

Figure 2: Trends in unit cost for rural water supply technologies (source: SIP, 2009)

As per figure 2 boreholes have the for this technology. The same trend could highest unit cost but also usually the be stated for rehabilitation works as well, highest volume of water produced, which here too exist cost variation, and currently significantly reduces the per capita cost Iganga has the highest unit cost.

Figure 3: Variations in Unit Costs for Borehole Rehabilitation in FY 2008/9 (UGX) source: DWD presentation from Eng Ian Arebahona (14/04/2010)

5 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

The costs in a particular district are technologies such as boreholes and pipe dominated by the technology mix in systems. that district which itself will largely be a According to the Uganda Water and reflection of the geographical situation Environment Joint Sector Review process, the district finds itself in e.g. districts population growth and urbanization with high potential springs and safe and have led to demand outstripping supply, reliable groundwater tables will tend to particularly in Kampala. This challenge have lower costs than districts with scarce is compounded by old and limited groundwater that can only be accessed by infrastructure for water supply. Catchments deep boreholes and where expensive bulk have been severely degraded which has water transmission is necessary. reduced available water resources and

Graff-4

Table1: Per Capita Costs in relation to technology mix: Source SIP 15

The technology mix for new investments increased the unit cost of production. This (refer table 1) is based on analysis of has often called for increased resource sub-county data on existing coverage and mobilisation to meet these challenges. technology mix. The locations where the The changing technology mix is illustrated geological conditions allows for the cheaper on Figure 3 showing how the cheaper technologies such as springs and shallow technologies, springs (purple) and wells wells have to a large extent been utilised (blue) that are presently dominating the and new water installations will have a technology mix in many districts, will by larger proportion of the more expensive 2035 be used to a much lesser extent.

Figure: 3 GIS Map showing present (2010) and future (2035) technology mix, Source: SIP 15

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 6 There are a number of critical issues that number of people we should be reaching underlie the unit cost in Uganda and East is not attained. This makes the district Africa at large. WaterAid Uganda in this water burden even higher. The quality article is citing a few and acknowledges of spare parts and equipment also affect that this however may not be totally unit cost (leave alone import costs), with exhaustive. For a start technology is the poor quality being cheaper, breaking down primary cost driver, to the extent that if one faster and adding to the viscous cycle of is stuck with a poor or inappropriate choice increasing unit costs. It appears obvious (e.g. fuel driven pumping) then the O&M that the WASH sector has to acknowledge cost will remain high and will fluctuate due and redress some of these issues. to circumstance beyond the sectors control in the international markets. In conclusion unit costs which vary from district to district require the sector to The aspects of unit costs, in particular the keep a keen eye on. This is one of the capital component again tend to increase issues that local government, national over time and they are driven by several institutions and NGOs, need to ensure that factors. First, beyond the disparity in cost a national standard is discussed and used of feasibility investigations, construction Forto benchmark more information performance. see: and supervisory costs (be it CSO or Government), are exchange rates to import the equipment, spares (especially for • Rural Water Supply Department in the hand pumps and various mechanical Ministry of Water and Environment. movable parts), in addition topographical, • Uganda water and sanitation sector hydrological and geological variations investment plan launched 15 April across Uganda. 2009. Given the fluctuation of our local currency, • Water and Environment Joint Sector the pump may cost the same in US Dollars Review, October 2009. over a period BUT will increase in shilling terms. Once the equipment is landed then post procurement issues kick-in, the transporting, the installation, here is where the locals line their pockets resulting in inflated installation costs. Even if one argued that corruption is wide spread in rich and poor countries alike. In many countries, private companies pay substantial bribes, to ensure deals are formalized in their favour; this is no different in the Ugandan WASH sector.

O&M costs also drive unit costs. High O&M cost is driven usually by poor maintenance which means that the equipment breaks down well before its economic useful life there by wasting the investment portion remaining and necessitating the purchase of another set of equipment.

The poor state of equipment does not produce optimally this means that the design capacity is not attained or that the 7 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

PROFILES Be inspired: Maria Mutagamba Minister of Water and Environment

Resistance Council and was subsequently elected the Constituent Assembly delegate.

1999: Mutagamba was recruited into the Democratic Party (DP) of her days in DP, it is said she was a smart businesswoman and negotiator, Mutagamba was an asset to the party. This very year she was also re-elected unopposed to Parliament.

2000: Joined National Resistance Movement and was appointed state minister for water in, a job she took to like a duck to water, so to speak.

2004: Elected president of the African Ministers’ Council on Water as the co-ordinator, Global Women Leaders Forum for Water and Sanitation and a First women cabinet about water, sanitation member of the Nile Council minister for water. Born and environmental issues; of Ministers. in the Gamba-Kakuuto- Mutagamba has earned Rakai district of Uganda in herself continental positions 2005: She made Public 1953 She says she may be that have raised her profile statement on second hand quiet, but she cannot be to date. She is Makerere clothes winning her both pushed around by anybody University graduate of admiration for her humility as quoted in a New Vision Economics. She worked and derision by some th article on the 11 April as a research officer and sections of the public. 2009. The Minister for a director in the Bank of 2006: Was elected woman MP Water, Maria Emily Lubega Uganda. We trace her most for Rakai. Later that year she Mutagamba, is one package significant raise to date. was made a cabinet minister. of hard work and dedication when she is sold out to a 1994: She represented Rakai 2007: Made a firm stand cause for her vocal advocacy as a member of the National against the sale of Mabira. Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 8 SANITATION Going for Growth: Financing Sanitation at the Local Level Scaling up of the cluster system approach by WaterAid Uganda in partnership with Wera Development Association

By Milly Akwi and Rebecca Alowo

At population growth 1 of 3.4% per annum, mortality at 130 and Human development index of 156/179, Uganda is among the poorest countries in the world. 65% water access in Rural and 66% Urban with functionality rate of 83% in the rural and 89% in 2small towns; sanitation is matched Stakeholdersat 68% rural and view 73% on Urban sanitation as of 2009.

Poor sanitation though a major cause of diarrhoea remains seriously neglected, attracting low priority from donor and developed country governments. The World Health Organisation estimates that 28% of under-five deaths are attributed3 to poor sanitation and unsafe water .

In the Water and Sanitation Section Investment Plan Sanitation financing in Uganda has low priority with maximum allowance of 6% as compared to water at 72% at district level. The total sector allocation4 to sanitation is less than 1% till 2035 . Below is a reflection“Finally, thereor concern is no wayon sector around resources. making The additional lead financial funding availabledonor reflects if we this wish to reach the set goals. Without extra resources, sector goals and targets will have to be revised Little children wash hands (latrine in the downwards” Ms Nathalia Feinberg, Royal background). Danish Embassy, Joint Sector Review October 2009.

Since 1996 WaterAid has supported the districts of Amuria and Katakwi to improve 9 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

Triggering change: cluster system approach and operation the WASH situation among communities in partnership with WEDA. Stakeholder’s efforts have been undermined by socio- WaterAid Tanzania implemented the cultural, economic, environmental and Cluster system before WEDA replicated political set backs since 1986, however to in Katakwi and Amuria districts. innovativeHESAN status of approachesDLGs have been used to Essentially Communities are clustered to reverse trends. ten households; cluster heads, Community 70 Health Educators are selected, trained

60 50 on Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation 2006/2007 40 Transformation. The community are 2007/2008 30 2008/2009 empowered to facilitate long-term 20 10 behaviour change. Roles are segregated, 0 bye laws formed, short and long term O&M Percentages Coverage Katakwi Amuria work plans generated and financed by Sanitation status WEDA. Operational cluster system approach to WASH development

Community Development Officer/ Local governments

Community Development / Health Assistant

Community Based-Educator

Cluster-heads

C l u

Diagram t

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 10 Major Successes • Better sanitation behaviors can be WEDA has worked in a total of 216 villages attained through combined efforts of with total population of 12,960. Nine • different institutional frame works. villages have attained 100% sanitation (figure 3). Cost per beneficiary investment Sustained Financing of WASH at local is 1,600/= and cost per Community Health level greatly contributes to sustainable Educator is 100,000/= for a bicycle. knowledge attitude and practices.

Approach was replication by COU-TEDDO Approach blends well with the rural and LWF, promotes social inclusion and setting; but there are challenge. Sustaining innovativeness. Sustained WASH practices the structures has cost implications, in the old communities resulted from Inconsistent involvement of the local empowerment of community structures to government; insecurity, disasters, termites, popularise WASH.WEDA gained a national collapsible soils threaten progress. HESAN facilities progress by award for this. November 2009 Graff It seems fair to recommend that a one 8000 stop centre for sanitation leadership in Numbers 6000 the sector with defined roles, funding mechanisms and incentives for collective 4000 action. Support to district local government 2000 in developing sanitation strategies. Finance 0 Hand Bath Dish- Rubbish-Pits Anim scaling up the cluster system at lower local Latri Kitch Washing shelt Racks al nes ens ers hous Conclusionsgovernment.

Base line data from 1178 888 751 873 267 813 156 WEDA data base Progress to date 7068 5328 4506 5238 1602 4878 936 by Nov 2009 HESAN facilities Better financing, coordination, information, communication and sharing of best practices is vital for stakeholders to ensure, A combination the driving factors such accountability, consolidation of sanitation demand based entry, awareness creation, interventions towards sector goals and empowerment of community structures, targets.For more information see: have gone along way in ensuring active roles and participation of the leaders as well as demonstrations, household visits, 1. UBOS (2008) Statistical Abstract. community competitions, exchange visits, Uganda Bureau of statistics (UBOS), easy mobilisation, stake holders, use of Kampala Uganda PHAST,PRA approaches and sustained 2. MWE (2009): Joint Sector Review financing of WEDA. Report.

As concerns sustainability it is possible 3. WaterAid (2009): Fatal Neglect. to create sustainable sanitation through financing at local level; creating demand, 4. MWE (2009): Sector Investment Plan commitment for WASH intervention from August 2009. the different institutional frame works and empowerment of the village structures to populariseLessons learnt WASH. • Localising WASH at community level empowers the structures; putting it at the centre of community interests.

11 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 12 NUMBERS Hey! Rank your district: Do you need to talk to your leaders?

Rural District WASH 2009/10 Budget Water Sanitation Water source Budget (100 Released Coverage coverage Functionality million) so far % % % rate % Abim 769,414 71 74 37 61 Adjumani 764,181 56 74 69.7 95 Amolatar 554,925 50 59 49 76 Amuria 699,175 50 73 21 55 Amuru 782,057 48 66 28.7 77 Apac 731,738 48 64 66 69 Arua 849,076 48 77 54 89 Budaka 740,462 50 53 60 95 Bududa 712,073 54 72 58 88 Bugiri 804,169 71 36 73.9 83 Bukedea 454,467 49 89 65.7 88 Bukwa 473,790 50 71 60 88 Bulisa 766,560 48 50 49 85 Bundibugyo 526,803 48 79 61 74 Bushenyi 675,274 48 85 91 80 Busia 479,544 47 68 74.3 95 Butaleja 731,821 48 60 91 76 Dokolo 507,806 48 83 46.3 82 Gulu 1,177,879 67 91 36 66 Hoima 415,754 71 74 72 94 Ibanda 755,834 79 73 88.6 93 Iganga 804,169 71 58 64.2 88 Isingiro 773,127 48 37 77 79 Jinja 804,169 71 72 88 95 Kaabong 754,945 47 24 2.4 79 Kabale 421,319 47 92 91 79 Kabarole 513,662 71 64 74 82 Kaberamaido 409,095 48 92 47.7 74 Kalangala 341,592 71 88 52 88 Kaliro 522,629 71 61 81 93 Kamuli 1,042,157 71 59 78 94 Kamwenge 417,885 47 81 74 94 Kanungu 421,319 71 81 87.2 77 Kapchorwa 541,750 49 68 58 87 Kasese 601,822 71 77 74 61 Katakwi 559,989 52 94 48 74 Kayunga 552,996 48 55 75 79

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Rural District WASH 2009/10 Budget Water Sanitation Water source Budget (100 Released Coverage coverage Functionality million) so far % % % rate % Kibale 527,445 71 73 65 95 Kiboga 621,805 48 58 61.1 81 Kiruhura 773,127 71 36 83 92 Kisoro 742,085 48 42 69.5 95 Kitgum 1,159,203 55 66 32 91 Koboko 595,180 49 63 64.4 80 Kotido 1,318,230 69 36 2 88 Kumi 781,757 57 73 56 87 Kyenjonjo 730,231 71 70 62 87 Lira 709,751 47 67 61.5 83 Luwero 424,264 71 71 78 79 Lyantonde 441,470 48 46 80 63 Manafwa 861,069 52 57 62 89 Maracha-Terego 783,935 49 57 89 Masaka 437,727 71 85 95.1 83 Masindi 898,280 48 64 59.3 87 Mayuge 804,169 71 61 62 95 Mbale 850,483 52 57 65 94 Mbarara 804,169 71 63 91 93 Mityana 643,183 71 74 76 82 Moroto 899,862 56 49 10 65 Moyo 904,638 50 49 73.2 84 Mpigi 640,162 48 82 57.6 79 Mubende 762,780 71 46 76 70 Mukono 675,080 47 58 73 89 Nakapiripiriti 864,828 53 45 0.73 59 Nakaseke 443,880 48 85 79.6 75 Nakasongola 735,367 47 69 73 51 Namutumba 473,035 71 68 54.3 84 Nebbi 964,520 48 84 83 74 Ntungamo 451,067 48 67 91 79 Oyam 942,215 61 60 66 73 Pader 1,026,009 59 51 35 86 Pallisa 865,662 48 52 60 95 Rakai 783,474 75 62 84.4 78 Rukungiri 467,206 48 95 99 86 Sembabule 734,842 71 43 57 81 Sironko 588,123 52 72 62 94 Soroti 755,649 48 77 55 85 Tororo 997,958 53 61 82 94 Wakiso 734,842 71 67 81 94 Yumbe 900,808 51 38 75 70 National average 700,949 57 66 64 82

Within +/-10% of the national average (Acceptable) No data available Significantly greater than the national average (Good) Significantly lower than the national average (Not acceptable)

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 14 WATERAID UGANDA PETITION

No data available Significantly lower than the national average (Not acceptable) WASH poverty affects access to safe water, and adequate sanitation which is crucial for a productive society. It’s a fundamental human right often neglected among the United Nation’s Millennium Development Targets. We believe its timea pro to poor put goldenthe Spotlight indicator on WASH towards poverty, to address inter and inter district equity and resources allocation. Join WaterAid Uganda in calling on the Minister of Water and Environment to include efficient and effective Sector performance at the Joint Water and Environment Sector Review in September 2010. WATERAID UGANDA PETITION Show your support by signing this petition

Dear Minister Water and Environment

I urge you to priorities a pro poor golden Indicator ensuring inter and intra district resource allocation and planning as part of sector performance at the Joint Sector Review September 2010. Signed ______please fill out in block capital Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms ______First name Surname______Address______Town/City______EmailSend to: ______The Minister Water and Environment C/o WaterAid Uganda P.O. Box 11759, Kampala Uganda

A DAY IN THE LIFE Interview with Doreen Kabasindi Wandera

You are the executive director of a big Umbrella organisation what’s Meet Doreen Wandera Kabasindi the like for you on a day to day basis? executive Director of Uganda Water and Sanitation Network-UWASNET a national Umberalla organisation of 160 NGOs all My wake up call is at 5.00am everyday, my involved in Water Sanitation and Hygiene- day begins with church at Christ the king at WASH. WaterAid catches up with her at her 6.30am. By 7.30 am in the office, at which Who was Doreen growing up and offices in Luzira. point I consult my diary to review the to who is she today? do list. I then check my emails then update my to do list. At some moment after this am forced to reorganize or and re-priotise what The young Doreen and the grown up is to be handled. Doreen are the same. I grew up in a family of boys. We were to be exact 6 boys and 2 girls. My sister passed away at an early age. We always had many people in out home, especially my cousin brothers. As such I was atom boy growing up. I enjoyed riding bicycles climbing trees and anything I could get down to. I always emerged as the leader of the boys.

My father was a great influence in my life, he always entrusted me with a lot of responsibility I guess my leadership roles started then. As a child I was passionate about justice, I was usually involved in fights about others this I still do today.

I am a very determined women, growing up with boys always demanded this , am still a very determined person no matter who is my way.

At school I always excelled at math’s, I think this was behind my decision to pursue a career in sciences , I still love detail and roughness this requires , I never want to fail, I always have a plan A and B for whatever I want to achieve. Even if as a child I was reckless, I am now more cautions, in that I evaluate whatever I do starting with the end result.

Still a leader up today, all the management training has only complemented my skills that were already home grown. 15 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

What in UWASNET work is similar to your previous experience and Promptly at midday financial matters background take over (cheques, banking and various accountabilities that need my attendance).

I send my afternoons reviewing key With over 15 years professional experience documents till 4.00pm when I log on to I have been in development work with the internet for updates on key websites various organizations. I have done a lot (ministry of water and environment, of environment and sanitation inspection development partners, UWASNET work; this has all been within the public members). I always close my day by health sector. I find this similar to what evaluating it to gauge what has gone well or UWASNET core business is. I also find that not. because of my scientific and analytical background am able to get my work done. In between all this guests are attended to, those with appointments and those The difference for me is that am now without, some of my work I often delegate. more into coordination and networking. Mondays however remain an exception In my past work I was more hands on. because I chair a technical staff meeting. With networking it is not easy to see All other sector engagements are handle the direct and tangible results yet. My through my to do list. previous jobs were rewarding as I could implement and touch issues as they were in my control. With networks its different I most influence then look on waiting for feedback. UWASNET should be more in the field as much as this is not happening at the moment. But there are plans to establish thisWhat in UWASNET.has been you best and worst moment so far?

Best moment was when I was confirmed , I was able to achieve this through my drive for justice determination and leadership. My skills prevailed let alone the fact that I also received over whelming support from the sector, developing partners and the UWASNET board.

My worst moments have been inheriting an organisation with inadequate systems to achieve the set goals and plans. This was my worst as a professional. I had to step out of my TOR as an executive director. Coupled with this I have had to operate under strained funding currently we have a third of our meant funding we are only able to implement one third of our strategy and yet the expectations upon us are huge.

Another low moment for was when I had to implement a restructuring. It was difficult to announce to my team that they had to go; Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 16 it’s easier to announce good news than it is brings together International NGOs local to tell people who have welcomed you that NGOs and Community Based Organizations. they have to go. A termination is not easy to UWASNET is on every working groups with dealWhat with. opportunities do you believe government and development partners, our are out there for NGOs working on voice and our issues set out to the WASH WASH issues? sector that has given us an ear.

There is also room for significant learning WASH NGOs have the biggest opportunities from other networks like the ANEW, rich among NGOs in Uganda. WASH is the major research on WASH and an enabling legal development contributor, it has a huge framework, given governments good will , bearing on health, human integrity and NGOs need to exploit these. peace. WASH is addressing a major global My vision for UWASNET is a strong and well issue affecting every homestead. Even funded sector that provides, conducive, with the dwindling funding government environment and better working relations is committed to supporting WASH. There with development partners, NGOs and exist political will and good leadership in other stakeholders in the sector. I also this ministry of water and environment, fore see a quality network with improved this should exploited by NGOs. Networks collaboration , synergy and sharing remain forums to be exploited to share information , complimenting service burdens, lessons and our in particular delivery with good governance in WASH.

17 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

PRO-POOR TECHNOLOGY The Prepaid Metre System in Informal Urban Settlements of Kampala

Juliet Abaliwano

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda with “un willingness to pay for services.” It is an average population of two million. Rapid an extreme example of applying full cost- urbanization, land issues and poverty levels recovery directly to urban poor households among the urban population has led to the irrespective of their income levels and gradual emergence of slums in the city. ability to pay According to UN-HABITAT, 44 percent of Kampala’s population lives in unplanned, Tumulamye Peace, aged 25 is a tailor under serviced slums. Informal settlements renting a one roomed house on the cover up to 25 percent of the city’s total community hall of Kisenyi III parish in area. Poor planning has led to haphazard Kampala central division. Kisenyi III developments that lack basic infrastructure parish is just a stone’s throw from the city such as access to roads, water and centre and because of its proximity to the sanitation. Minimal investment has been city centre it is a popular destination for made in placement of water facilities in the the urban communities who are usually urban poor communities and as a result, employed in the informal sector. Before the the poor are exploited by middlemen who prepaid meter systems were introduced in sell water at 100 shs per 20 liter jerry can Kisenyi III, she used to buy water for her compared to the recommended National household needs from a nearby standpipe Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) which is just across the drainage channel price of 20 shs for the same amount of at 100 shs per 20 liter jerry can. Today water almost five times more than what the she pays only 20 shs for the same amount rich people pay. of water from the pre paid meter water installed at the community hall of Kisenyi Uganda has set an ambitious target of 100 III parish. “I used to bath half a basin percent water access for its urban citizens but ever since the prepaid water metre as part of its National Poverty Eradication was brought here, I have enough water Action Plan. The country has launched a for bathing, with 100/=, I get five jerry “pay-as-you-drink” public water project cans instead of one. The 300 shs that my as a major intervention through the water husband leaves me with for water is more utility. As a Public Utility, NWSC has a than enough for the whole family.” says mission to serve the poor and installed Peace. prepaid metres to the informal urban communities as a means of catering to the John Bosco Otema, the manager NWSC needs of the poor for affordable access Urban poor project says that access to safe to water. These metres automatically water is a fundamental human right. “Water eliminate the middlemen (water vendors) is life; for long the urban poor communities who have been selling water above the have been exploited by the standpipe recommended price. Pre-paid water metres owners whose charges are in most cases 5 are intended to address the non-payment times above the recommended tariff.” for water services and defeat the so called Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 18 Uganda’s experience

However a number of issues have been raised about the practical use of the The Water policy in Uganda does not give prepaid metres especially for those in provision for access to free water for basic extreme poverty. This is due to the fact that needs. The use of stand pipes was the major if you cannot pay upfront you are unable intervention to cater to the needs of the to access water therefore has the ‘right poor. Although this was the lowest cost, it to water’ been violated? Are the prepaid was also found to be unaffordable by the metres turning water into an economic poor in society. With the introduction of good instead of a social good that must the pre paid meters, the cost has greatly be provided for all? Prepaid water meters reduced by approximately 60%. could also cause poor families to use unsafe water sources once they lose their ability to pay. The World Health Organization has recommended minimum water consumption for life at least 25 litres of water per day for basic survival, however prepaid metres may force household to decrease their consumption of water and therefore carrying out indirect effective demand management. Studies have shown that prepaid water meters have reduced the demand of water up to 65%, leaving poor consumers with the bare minimum of water for their daily consumption because they areA case unable of toSouth afford Africa the water they need

South Africa has introduced a policy of free basic services including water, electricity etc. In 2001 a tariff structure was suggested that included 6 cubic meters of free water However, according to the Population per month for a family of five. Eventually and Housing census (2002), 39% of the pre-paid meters were introduced in population in Kampala lives in absolute Johannesburg, including Soweto, and poverty while 43% are unemployed. In in other cities as part of management Kampala are the beneficiaries of the pre contracts with private operators. With the paid meters known? Are the pre paid use of the prepaid meters, water supply meters serving the needs of those in would be cut off above the 6 cubic meter extreme poverty? Are the marginalized and monthly limit if no payment is made and vulnerable in societies able to pay upfront this led to substantial protests among the for the basic need of water as required by poor. In April 2008 the South African High the system? As the prepaid meters advance Court found this practice unconstitutional, in the urban poor settlements in Uganda, and wrote that denying the poor access issues that may affect the extreme poor, the to adequate water “is to deny them the vulnerable and the marginalized should rights to health and to lead a dignified be closely monitored to ensure that their lifestyle.” It was further stated that 25 liters health and basic need for safe water have per person per day is insufficient for the not been neglected at the cost of full cost human consumption. The residents sued recovery in water supply management. against the use of prepaid meters although unsuccessfully.

19 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Measuring and Managing Carbon Footprint in the Ugandan WASH sector

Rebecca Alowo “Climate change is the greatest market failure the world has ever seen” (Stern Review, 2006) to influence carbon neutral outcomes decreases with elaborate progression of WASH services development, delivery, It is now accepted that climate change will operation and maintenance(fig1). significantly affect our lives if we don’t The decision making process to do something as a Ugandans. (following accommodate this however would be the recent floods, droughts in Teso and similar to that of a typical project, in that landslides in Bududa). It is also clear that the required capacity: technical (flows and carbon-dioxide emission (though low loads, water and sanitation systems are to in developing countries) and poor land handle) human, social, environment and management are significant contributors to financial should be categorized and initial climate change effects. approvals granted. Emphasis though has In the Ugandan WASH Sector we can do to be placed on identification of a range of something by improveing value that is- possible technical options which can do the lower cost, more performance, reduced job and the review indicators to mark and carbondioxide emissions in decisions compare the options. For a rural or even made in a water and sanitation project. urban (when stretched) water supply or Innovatively carbon-dioxide reduction better still a sanitation/sewerage treatment needs to be incorporated into every stage of works, the indicator framework carbon WASH delivery noting that the opportunity neutral decision making could look like that in figure 2.

Figure 1: Opportunity for carbon reduction at key stages of WASH delivery (Source: MWH, 2009)

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 20 Treatment & transfer Treat locally Septic tank Septic tank Lagoon VIP Eco-san Traditional pit latrine and reed bed and Sludge Activation

1. Urban/ rural planning policy context 2. Satisfies Uganda’s

Policy legal , policy and and Legal indicators regulatory framework 3. Use of local labour

4. Total cost of process 5. Contribution to economic activity in the region/ location

Economic indicators 6. Cost recovery 7. Operation & maintenance cost 8. Build-ability 9. Origin of construction

materials 10. Type volume of construction material

indicator and land to be used

Technological (eco footprint) 11. Technical efficiency 12. Cultural heritage and

archaeology 13. Noise order nuisance

Social 14. Accidents indicator

15. Biodiversity on species on habitats – priorities with action plans 16. Minimal green house emissions transport 17. Minimal green house

emissions (fuel to electricity when pumping) 18. Chemical usage 19. Environmental degradation potential (types and volumes of construction material used)

Environmental indicator 20. Potential to pollute ground water 21. Eco footprint-area used for construction 22. Destructive Visual impact 23. Reversibility- ability to decommissioning High Medium Low High Medium Figure 2:Low decision-marking matrix. Source: WaterAid Uganda

21 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

• One of the sub policy objectives in the Optional emissions (e.g. chemical used water sector is to regulate water pollution for treatment, changes in volume of and environmental aspects like climate water abstracted, treated , supplied, change that affect the present and future changes in flows and loads of sewage ability to delivery adequate WASH services. collected and treated, sludge deposits, The initiatives with the climate change • catchments management activities). department in the sector under the line Excluded emissions. (Home water ministry of Water and Environment signal harvesting, customer water recycling the importance of climate change issues or rainwater harvesting investment, in ensuring a sustainable future with emissions down stream from effluent regard to water scarcity, WASH poverty and discharges). environmental degradation. According to (MWH, 2009) a more The sector has to consider the following accurate definition of the embodied carbon emissions(figure 3): • emissions for a constructed asset includes Emissions from initial construction not only the emissions associated with the, • process. materials and manufactured components used but also the emissions associated with Emissions from the maintenance and the onsite construction of the asset and the • renewal. off site disposal of any waste. Emissions from direct and indirect Bearing in mind the economic view on energy use (pump house and various climate change, Uganda water regulators • mechanical moving parts). have to be intent on bringing the externality cost from carbon emissions into investment Emissions from treatment processes. decisions (figure 4 ).

Figure 3: Pipeline material emissions dominate project embodied emissions

Figure 4: Opportunity for carbon reduction at key stages of WASH delivery

Q UARTERLY WASH JOURNAL 22 • Directorate of Water Development and The National Environment (Standards companies like National Water and for Discharge of Effluent into Water or Sewerage Corporation can estimate and on Land) Regulations (1999), use the carbon-dioxide equivalent of its • investment options in its cost benefit Environmental Impact Assessment analysis work. The costs of both embodied • Regulations (1998), carbon emissions (in construction) and operational carbon emissions need to be National Environment (Waste combined in the net present value terms • Management) Regulations (1999), during their evaluations as part of the National Environment (Hilly and benefits considered to inform investment Mountainous Area Management) decisions. Remember all infrastructure • Regulations (2000), assets generate carbon emissions, during construction, operation and maintenance. National Environment (Wetlands, River The water and sanitation sector has to Banks and Lake Shores Management) develop a range of carbon accounting tools • Regulations (2000), to assist investment appraisal and project National Environment (Management solutionFor more selection. information see: of Ozone Depleting Substances and • • Products) Regulations (2001), The Economics of Climate Change: The National Environment (Noise Standards Stern Review, 2006. Nicholas Stern, • and Control) Regulations (2001) • Cambridge University Press. • MWH,2009 Water & Environment Sector • Performance Report, 2009. OFWAT, Carbon Accounting • Methodology, 2009 The Water Act (1995), New Vision 8th March 2010. “Disaster strikes Mbale by Chris Mafabi” Rate this journal

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23 V OLUME 1 I SSUE 1 , M AY 2 010 WaterAidUganda

WaterAid in Uganda Plot 90 Lithuli Avenue Bugolobi P.O.Box 11759 Kampala Uganda Tel: (+256) 414 505795/7 Fax: (+256) 414 505796 Website: www.wateraid.org/uganda

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