RAIN WATER TANKS FOR UGANDA

In Isingiro, one of Uganda’s most impoverished districts, an urgent water crisis is wreaking havoc on communities. A staggering 79% of households lack access to clean water, while the majority of the population survives on less than USD 1.25 a day. Droughts, poor infrastructure, and extreme poverty force women and children to trek 3–8 kilometres daily in search of water—often unsafe and contaminated. This crisis fuels the spread of deadly waterborne diseases like typhoid, diarrhoea, and dehydration, which are tragically among the leading causes of death for children under five.

The region’s underground water sources are plagued by high mineral content, making them unsafe for both people and animals. An alarming 75% of boreholes yield water that is too salty or too hard to drink, while protected wells and springs remain out of reach for most. As a result, communities are forced to rely on unprotected sources like rock catchments, which become dangerously contaminated during rainfall.

The lack of clean water not only poses a serious public health risk but also deprives children—particularly girls—of their education. These girls are often kept home to fetch water, a physically exhausting and time-consuming task carried out in unsafe conditions, leaving them vulnerable to abuse. This not only limits their future opportunities but also reduces women’s productivity, ultimately hindering community development. The need for change is urgent, and the consequences are far-reaching.

In collaboration with the Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS), Borrmeister Architects is excited to help fund rainwater tanks for families in Isingiro, Uganda, with the families contributing equally to the costs. This project offers a sustainable solution to the area’s water challenges, and we hope it will inspire similar initiatives that can benefit other communities in the future.

We’re proud to be working alongside CCS’s dedicated team, including Project Coordinator Charles Rwabambari and Project Supervisor Gilbert Mugabe, who are both playing essential roles in bringing this vision to life. With their guidance and support, the family will soon have a reliable source of clean water, transforming their daily lives.

This is just the beginning! Our partnership with CCS demonstrates our commitment to making a real, lasting impact on the community. Together, we’re helping families thrive and taking meaningful steps toward solving the water crisis—one family at a time.

The rainwater tank will provide immediate access to clean, safe water and create lasting benefits for the community, including:

1. Time, Energy & Educational Support
   By eliminating the need for long, dangerous walks to collect water, children—especially girls—gain more time for school, improving their academic outcomes and reducing safety risks. This also allows families to be more productive and supports girls in continuing their education without the burden of water-fetching.

2. Empowerment & Self-Reliance
   Having control over their own water supply reduces families' dependence on external aid, promoting independence and self-sufficiency.

3. Access to Clean Water
   The tank ensures a reliable, safe water source, reducing dependence on contaminated alternatives and helping prevent waterborne diseases.

4. Improved Health & Hygiene
   Consistent access to clean water enhances sanitation and hygiene, leading to better health and well-being.

5. Climate Resilience & Sustainability
   Sustainable water management strengthens resilience to climate change, protects health, and saves lives. It also helps mitigate climate change by preserving ecosystems and reducing carbon emissions from water collection, transportation, and treatment.

6. Poverty Reduction
   Many families in vulnerable communities struggle to maintain gardens or generate income due to time spent collecting water. A reliable water source empowers families to focus on improving their livelihoods, helping break the cycle of poverty.

The Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS) is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). With a focus on collaboration, Project Coordinator Charles Rwabambari and Project Supervisor Gilbert Mugabe work closely with OVC and their caregivers to enhance household income, protect the environment for a sustainable future, and empower marginalized groups—including youth, women, and disabled orphans—by equipping them with essential skills to foster independence and self-reliance.

CCS leads impactful community-driven projects, including the development of action plans for rainwater harvesting tank construction, hygiene and sanitation initiatives, HIV/AIDS prevention, positive living strategies, and raising awareness about COVID-19 transmission, prevention, and mitigation. Their work also includes managing the Revolving Loan Fund and supporting youth through innovative piggery and rabbit projects. As a catalyst for change, CCS is creating lasting solutions for the most vulnerable, building stronger, more resilient communities.

In New Zealand, where we take for granted the simple act of turning on a tap for clean water, it's hard to imagine the daily struggle faced by many communities around the world. In Isingiro, Uganda, where access to clean water is scarce and the need is urgent, this fundamental human right is a daily challenge. Through our awareness campaign, we aim to make a tangible, positive impact. The ‘Rainwater Tanks for Uganda’ project offers a practical, affordable, and sustainable solution to the severe water crisis in the region.

By harvesting rainwater from house roof catchment gutters, communities can capture clean, safe water during rainfall, ensuring a reliable source year-round. This simple yet effective solution reduces dependence on contaminated, unsafe water sources and provides long-term access to clean water. With Isingiro's low-income levels, financial support is crucial to help families build these life-changing rainwater tanks, making a world of difference for those in need.

At Borrmeister Architects, we believe in sustainability and community empowerment. By partnering with CCS, we are helping create a sustainable future for the communities in Isingiro. Together, we’re working toward a future where every family has access to clean, safe water—one tank at a time.

• Materials and Community Involvement:
  Skilled local masons, together with family members and the wider community, collaborate to build the tanks using high-quality materials sourced from nearby suppliers. Many materials, such as sand, cement, and welded mesh, are carried on their heads from feeder roads that are half a kilometer or more away, showcasing the community's remarkable dedication and resourcefulness. This collective effort not only strengthens the project’s success but also fosters a deep sense of ownership and shared responsibility, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

  By collecting rainwater from house roof catchment gutters, families can gather a safe, clean water supply during rainfall, guaranteeing access to fresh water throughout the year. This innovative solution is vital to ensuring a consistent and sustainable water source for the community.

• Construction Timeline:
  Once all materials are on-site, the tanks are constructed within just seven days, delivering a fast and effective solution to the water crisis.

• Durability:
  These custom built reinforced concrete water tanks are designed for durability and ease of construction. They are easy to maintain and repair, providing a reliable, long-lasting water storage solution for years to come.

Our partnership with the Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS) is built on a shared vision for sustainable development and meaningful impact. Lorraine Borrmeister has had the privilege of collaborating closely with Charles Rwabambari, the Project Coordinator at CCS, during her time as an International Programmes Officer with a Christchurch-based NGO. This strong foundation of collaboration has now been solidified through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Funding Agreement, ensuring transparency, mutual accountability, and a clear path to success for the project. Together, we are taking concrete steps toward making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most

• Total Cost per Tank: UGX 1,620,500 (approximately NZD 780.00 / USD 440.00)

• Borrmeister Architects Contribution: UGX 810,250 (approximately NZD 390.00 / USD 220.00)

• Ugandan Family Contribution: UGX 810,250 (approximately NZD 390.00 / USD 220.00)

  Note: Uganda, UGX (Ugandan Shillings) is the go-to currency for transactions. If your NZ bank can transfer UGX, that's awesome! But since not all NZ banks deal with UGX, we’ve found using the 'Wise' app to be much easier for sending money.

  While USD is also accepted, keep in mind that exchange rates and Ugandan bank fees can be pretty high, so UGX tends to be the more reliable and cost-effective choice for payments.

  Additionally, Lorraine and the team at Borrmeister Architects are always happy to lend a hand if you need any assistance. We don't charge for our services; this initiative is all about giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Many families in Isingiro, Uganda, urgently need your support, and you have the power to make a real, lasting difference! Just like us, you can contribute around NZD 390.00 to support a family, or donate any amount that feels right for you. We're here to help—whether you'd like a hand transferring your contribution, prefer to do it yourself, or want to set up a dedicated page on your own website (we’ll provide all the info) to raise awareness and spread the word about this great cause.

Each rainwater tank is supported by a family-specific Funding Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure full transparency and accountability. Our Ugandan partners, CCS, will also provide regular updates on construction progress throughout the project.

If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Charles, Gilbert, Lorraine, or any member of our team at Borrmeister Architects. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

Contact Information:

Borrmeister Architects
Lorraine Borrmeister
Email: info@borrmeister.co.nz
Phone: +64 3 384 0946

Project Coordinator: Charles Rwabambari
Email: crwabambari@yahoo.com
Phone: +256 772 698 296

Project Supervisor: Gilbert Mugabe
Email: mugabrto@gmail.com
Phone: +256 757 699 152

Stay tuned for regular updates on the ‘Rainwater Tank for Uganda’ project and see the impact unfold! Follow our journey with CCS, Tobista Tibenderana, her family, and the Isingiro community as we document their progress and share their inspiring stories.