Drop in the Bucket Constructs Environmentally Sustainable Toilet for Gulu School
Kasubi Central in Gulu city has undergone a transformative upgrade in its sanitation facilities, courtesy of Drop in the Bucket, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving sanitation in northern Uganda and South Sudan. The new environmentally sustainable system not only addresses the school’s urgent need for improved infrastructure but also incorporates an innovative water management strategy. Previously burdened by dilapidated pit latrines, the school faced significant challenges in ensuring the safety and health of its 548 students.
Recognizing the need for better facilities, Proscovia Anek, the head teacher, reached out to Drop in the Bucket for support through their school WASH project.
Responding to the school’s plea, DROP, facilitated by a visiting donor family, generously donated an innovative sanitation system, including flushing toilets with two desegregated blocks and an environmentally sustainable septic system. One of the most innovative aspects of the new system is its water management strategy.
Water from the existing borehole is utilized for both handwashing and toilet flushing. During the pumping process, a portion of the water is diverted into an underground tank and then transported to an above-ground tank using a merry-go-round, engaging the students in water transportation. The water is then gravity-fed to the toilets, promoting water conservation and good hygiene practices.
Stacey Travis, the Country Director for Drop in the Bucket, emphasized the significance of this unique sanitation system, especially for large schools like Kasubi Central.
She highlighted how the innovative septic system processes waste through a series of chambers employing anaerobic activity to break it down over a month, ensuring safe disposal without the need for emptying.
The implementation of this sanitation system marks a significant improvement in the school’s infrastructure, promising better hygiene standards, increased student performance, and enhanced enrollment rates.
Anek expressed her gratitude for the support and pledged to ensure the long-term maintenance of the facilities. Richard Irwenyo, the principal education officer of Gulu city, acknowledged the importance of continued support for Kasubi Central Primary School, emphasizing the need for expanded infrastructure to accommodate the growing student population.
Yasinto Oyat, deputy mayor of Bardege Layibi division in Gulu city, hailed the intervention as a crucial step towards the school’s development and success in education.
Jane Frances Amongin, Gulu Resident City Commissioner, stressed the importance of ongoing maintenance to preserve the functionality of the newly installed facilities, urging parents and stakeholders to actively support the school’s progress.
With the upgraded sanitation infrastructure and collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, Kasubi Central Primary School is poised for a brighter future, offering its students a healthier and more conducive learning environment.
