Awornyim Central (Gulu) — Borehole Well & VSLA
Project Snapshot
- Location: Awornyim Central village, Pugwinyi Parish, Owor Sub-County, Gulu District, northern Uganda
- Community: Awornyim Central
- Users Served: Community members in Awornyim Central (Gulu District)
- Intervention: Drilled borehole well with hand pump; established a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)
- Depth Drilled: 70 meters
- Yield: 3.06 m³/hr
- Date Drilled: November 13, 2023
- Status: Completed
Before the well
Safe water on-site was not available. Households in Awornyim Central relied on distant and unreliable water sources, increasing daily workloads and exposure to water-related illness. Limited household income made it difficult for the community to plan for water access or cover repair costs when infrastructure failed.
What We Built in Awornyim Central village
Drop in the Bucket drilled a deep community borehole well and installed a standard hand pump with a reinforced concrete apron and upgraded stainless-steel riser pipes. The depth and yield were designed to provide a reliable, year-round water source.
To support long-term functionality, Drop in the Bucket also helped establish a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). The VSLA enables the community—particularly the Water User Committee—to save money locally and access small loans to fund routine repairs and preventative maintenance.
Awornyim Central now
Clean water is now available within the village for drinking, cooking, and daily hygiene. Time spent collecting water has been reduced, supporting household routines, school attendance, and community health.
Through the VSLA, the Water User Committee can plan ahead for maintenance needs rather than responding only when breakdowns occur. This financial structure helps ensure spare parts, technician fees, and preventative servicing can be covered without delay.
Use & Upkeep
A Water User Committee oversees daily use and cleanliness of the borehole. Trained local hand pump technicians provide first-line repairs and coordinate with sub-county and district authorities as needed.
The VSLA is managed by community members who follow agreed rules, track contributions and repayments, and maintain savings dedicated to water system upkeep.
Notes
- Type: Borehole well with hand pump (community) and Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA)
- Primary users: Households in Awornyim Central, Gulu District
- Sustainability: VSLA supports planned repairs and preventative maintenance for the water point
- Hygiene: Keep the apron clear; encourage handwashing at home and public points
- Related: See water facts for why replacing unsafe sources with boreholes matters.
