Restored Boreholes Cut Risk and Disease
For years, women in Rubkona County braved flooded plains and armed checkpoints just to fill a jerrycan. Today, 26 rehabilitated boreholes shorten that trek to minutes and transform the daily rhythm of thousands.
“After the borehole was fixed, we stopped drinking dirty river water,” says Rebecca Nyagok, a mother of six whose family once endured bloody diarrhoea from contaminated sources.
Women Lead Post-Repair Governance
Community members quickly formed a water committee, collected small fees, and agreed usage hours to keep pumps working.
“We know maintenance is our duty, not the NGO’s,” Rebecca adds, pointing to the ledger where households record contributions.
Floods Stretch Limited Infrastructure
Seasonal floods have submerged five payams, forcing displaced families onto higher ground and placing each repaired well under heavy strain.
“One borehole now serves more than 2,000 households, far above the Sphere standard,” notes Akudi Rose, Tearfund’s WASH officer, who is urging donors to fund new drilling.
Clean Water Underpins Local Stability
Reliable water is easing tensions, supporting backyard gardens, and giving youths time for school instead of risky river journeys.
As Rubkona rebuilds after years of conflict and flooding, the humming pumps stand as quiet proof that targeted aid and local stewardship can turn vulnerability into resilience.