KDWSP EVOLUTION

The Kigezi Diocese Water and Sanitation Programme (KDWSP) has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 1986. Here is an overview of its development over the years:

1986: Inception

• Establishment: KDWSP was established as a response to the urgent need for clean water and improved sanitation in the Kigezi region.
• Initial Focus: The initial focus was on providing safe drinking water to rural communities through the construction of gravity flow schemes and protected springs.

1990s: Expansion and Community Involvement

• Expansion: The program expanded its activities to include the construction of rainwater harvesting jars, household and institutional tanks to increase water coverage in remote areas especially in communities on hilltops.
• Community Involvement: Emphasis was placed on involving the community in the planning and maintenance of water systems. Village Water Committees were formed to oversee the operation and maintenance of water points.
• Sanitation Initiatives: Introduction of basic sanitation initiatives, including the construction of latrines and promotion of hygiene practices.
• HIV/AIDS Awareness: KDWSP joined efforts to create awareness about dangers and preventative measures against HIV/AIDS and introduced support programs to families affected by HIV/AIDS

2000s: Integrated Approach and Capacity Building

• Integrated Approach: KDWSP adopted an integrated approach to water and sanitation, combining water supply projects with sanitation and hygiene education. In addition to traditional WASH, livelihood improvement initiatives were incorporated using community development teams (CDT) and Church and Community Transformation (CCT)
• Capacity Building: Training programs were introduced for local communities and Water User Committees on the operation and maintenance of water systems, as well as on hygiene practices.
• Partnerships: Partnerships and Networks with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and donors were strengthened to enhance the program's reach and impact.

• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: KDWSP has been actively involved in advocacy and policy engagement at the district and national levels to influence water and sanitation policies.
• Climate Resilience: Focus on building climate resilience in water supply systems and promoting adaptive practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
• Increased Impact: Scaling up of successful models and approaches to reach more communities. This includes the introduction of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) to eliminate open defecation.
• Innovation and Research: Ongoing research, training and innovation to identify and implement effective water and sanitation solutions tailored to the local context with establishment of the Rainwater Center.