Reliable access to safe water is central to healthier families, resilient livelihoods and thriving communities. TeamUp Uganda’s lead partner in the water sector, Whave Solutions, is working closely with rural communities in five districts (Mityana, Kassanda, Nakaseke, Kikuube and Kyegegwa) to ensure that water sources remain functional every day of the year through preventive maintenance and community-led management.
At the heart of this approach is the principle of full-time functionality of water sources. Instead of waiting for breakdowns, Whave Solutions supports communities to sign Preventive Maintenance Continuous Rehabilitation Agreements (PMCRA), where they commit to contributing towards the upkeep of their boreholes and other water systems. This community engagement model has fostered ownership, transparency, and sustainability.
Routine maintenance involves regular checks on boreholes, repair and replacement of worn-out parts, and upgrading handpumps into solar-powered piped water systems that are more efficient and climate-smart. Alongside this, automated prepaid water dispensers are being introduced to make collection of maintenance fees more reliable and affordable for all households. To ensure water quality and safety, water sources undergo regular testing and treatment.
To build community capacity, local handpump mechanics receive hands-on training to strengthen their technical skills, while water and sanitation committees undergo gender-focused training to ensure that women hold leadership roles and access opportunities to increase their incomes.
Whave Solutions’ work extends beyond communities to influence systems. Through policy advocacy, the organization collaborates with local and national governments to integrate rural water source management and climate change adaptation into national guidelines.
By combining climate-smart technologies, preventive maintenance, community ownership, and policy influence, Whave Solutions under TeamUp Uganda is ensuring that families enjoy an environment where safe water is always available, reliable, and sustainable.
