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The basic needs of the people are enormous and are increased by calamities such as drought and epidemics.
At present, the single most important task facing KARUDEC is making clean water
accessible in the district. No homes have indoor plumbing.
Imagine the time and effort consumed in obtaining water, frequently contaminated, and in quantities far below that considered minimal by the World Health
Standard of 35 litres per person per day. The average in Kasese District is 10 litres a day. The amount is equivalent to flushing a western toilet 1.5 times. The walking distance to obtain
clean water is often several miles . And, the amount obtained is only equal to what an adult or child can carry (one gallon weighs approximately 8 lbs).
The Cost of Contaminated Water
It is no wonder that many families rely on contaminated streams near their homes. As a result, water-related diseases such as diarrhea, infestation with
worms and other parasites, cholera and typhoid fever are common. These diseases flourish even more as a result of inadequate sanitary facilities. Less than a third of the households have
latrines.
Within Reach
There is adequate water in mountain springs and streams and aquifers in the valleys. Funds are urgently needed to bring the water to the
people. KARUDEC’s objective is to pipe water from these sources to a single, sanitary outlet within 1/2 mile of the households it serves.
This project will:
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