Shift Media News 
By PATRICK JARAMOGI
KAMPALA, Uganda March 19 [SHIFTMEDIA] In the rural village of Masindi, many residents have long struggled with unsafe water, relying on dilapidated boreholes that often produced foul-smelling, yellowish water full of iron filings. The corrosion of hand pumps was a constant issue, leading to frequent repairs, high costs, and, most tragically, waterborne diseases that sent many to hospitals. But this story of hardship is beginning to change, thanks to an innovative solution designed to tackle water contamination and reduce the costs of maintenance.
Wateraid Uganda, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to safe water, has introduced the Poldaw riser pipe system—a cutting-edge technology aimed at addressing the corrosion problem that has plagued rural water supplies for decades. This new system promises not only to enhance water quality but also to reduce the financial burden on communities struggling with outdated infrastructure.
At the sidelines of this year’s Uganda Water and Environment Week, Wateraid Uganda held a meeting under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Advancing Gender-Responsive WASH for Inclusive Access,” WaterAid Uganda showcased the impact of the Poldaw riser pile system in the Masindi district. Beneficiaries, including Natukunda Kezia, a member of a local water committee, shared their experiences and expressed their relief at the change.
“Before this new technology, we used to suffer with the old boreholes. The water was smelly, yellowish, and full of iron fillings,” said Natukunda. She explained that the high maintenance costs—about UGX 10,000 per month—were a significant burden on the community, coupled with the slow repair times. “Repairs would take several days, and during that time, we were left without water. Now, we only pay UGX 2,000 per month, and we can go for months without any need for repairs,” she added, a smile lighting up her face as she recalled the transformation.
The Poldaw riser pipe system, made from corrosion-resistant PVC, is proving to be a game-changer for Masindi’s water supply. Unlike the traditional galvanized steel pipes that corrode and break down over time, the Poldaw system maintains water quality and improves the hand-pumping performance, all while being easier and quicker to install and maintain.
Alfred Ocen, the District Water Officer for Masindi, explained that WaterAid Uganda is currently testing the technology across 100 sites in both Masindi and Kabarole districts. “This system has been shown to improve water quality significantly by reducing the contamination caused by corrosion. It’s a simple, yet effective solution,” Ocen said. His team’s findings suggest that repairs, which once took weeks, are now completed in just a week or less.
Hamimu Masudi, WaterAid Uganda’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, spoke about the organization’s vision for scaling up the Poldaw system.
He revealed that WaterAid Uganda plans to consult with experts from the Ministry of Water and Environment to assess the feasibility of rolling out the new technology nationwide. “This initiative has brought tremendous benefits to the people of Masindi, including reducing maintenance costs and improving access to clean water. The feedback we’ve received here today will guide us as we push this agenda forward,” said Masudi.
WaterAid Uganda’s work is supported by its partnership with the Conrad N Hilton Foundation (CNHF), which is helping to tackle the issue of hand pump corrosion, a challenge that affects rural water supply systems across the country. Through this collaboration, the Poldaw technology is already bringing cleaner, safer water to over 35,000 people in Masindi, with plans to expand into Kabarole, where another 100 aging boreholes built in the 1960s will be upgraded.
The benefits of the Poldaw system are not limited to its efficiency and improved water quality. According to Alfred Odokonyero, the Senior WASH Engineer at WaterAid Uganda, the technology is also a boon for the local economy. “Over 90% of the raw materials used in the Poldaw riser system are sourced from local suppliers, making the system not only sustainable but also supportive of local businesses,” Odokonyero said.
The Ministry of Water and Environment is also optimistic about the Poldaw system’s potential. Aisha Brick Nantege, the Coordinator for Appropriate Technology at the Ministry, highlighted that technology breakdowns account for 45% of non-functional water sources in Uganda, with corrosion of key components like pump cylinders and riser mains being the leading cause. “The results from Masindi are promising. Even after months of use, the upgraded boreholes showed no signs of corrosion,” Nantege said.
Paul Busoborwa, Senior Sociologist, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Ministry of Water & Environment highlighted the rigorous process for adopting new water technologies. “For any new technology to be integrated into policy, it must undergo technical validation, community testing, and policy approval.” The Poldaw PVC Riser System is being evaluated as a cost-effective, scalable solution for borehole sustainability in Uganda.
The introduction of the Poldaw riser pipe system is timely, as Uganda works toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. According to Ernest Atsu Gbekor, the Director of Finance at WaterAid Uganda, the Poldaw technology could play a key role in achieving this goal. “With nearly half of Uganda’s water pumps at risk of corrosion, this new system offers a scalable, affordable solution that can protect the country’s water resources and improve the lives of millions,” Gbekor said.
PHOTO/JARAMOGI PATRICK
While the Poldaw riser pipe system is still in its testing phase, the feedback from communities in Masindi and Kabarole is overwhelmingly positive. For residents like Natukunda, this innovation represents more than just better water—it symbolizes hope for a future where clean, safe water is available to all, no matter where they live.
As WaterAid Uganda continues to roll out the Poldaw system, the hope is that it will serve as a model for other districts, offering a sustainable solution to the challenge of water contamination and helping Uganda meet its ambitious water access goals for the future.
