Pallisa, Uganda: Pallisa District LC5 Chairperson Hon. Okiria Ben has applauded Evidence Action for expanding access to safe drinking water in the district, urging schools to embrace drama and practical hygiene initiatives to promote safe water handling among learners.
Speaking during a community sensitisation programme, Okiria said Pallisa was among the 22 districts benefiting from Evidence Action’s safe water intervention, describing the initiative as a major contribution to improving public health and reducing household medical expenses.
He noted that increased access to safe drinking water would help families save money previously spent on treating waterborne diseases, allowing them to invest more in education and other development priorities.
“We appreciate Evidence Action for choosing Pallisa among the districts benefiting from this intervention. Safe water means healthier families and more resources available for development,” Okiria said.
The district chairperson, however, cautioned residents against misusing chlorine intended for water treatment.
“Chlorine should not be used for treating chicken. Get in touch with the extension workers in charge of veterinary services for guidance on the treatment of poultry,” he advised.
Okiria also directed headteachers across the district to prioritise purchasing proper drinking water storage facilities using available Universal Primary Education (UPE) funds.
“From the little UPE funds, prioritise the purchase of water containers such as 100-litre mini tanks, or even pots and drinking cups, instead of allowing children to use their bare hands at boreholes,” he said.
His remarks came as district health officials intensified community sensitisation campaigns on proper water handling and household water treatment.
During an awareness session with pupils drawn from schools in Akisim Sub-county, Health Assistant Mr. Jude Okoyo urged teachers to incorporate drama and school performances into health education programmes to accelerate the spread of safe water messages.
“Drama is one of the best ways of teaching children. They easily remember and share the information with their families and communities,” Okoyo said.
While addressing pupils at Opadoi Primary School, Okoyo explained that unsafe handling often contaminates otherwise clean water.
“Covering water with leaves picked from roadsides is risky. Flies that feed on faeces and open excreta carry disease-causing organisms which contaminate the water. If it is not boiled or treated with chlorine, people can easily fall sick,” he said.
He explained that although both boiling and chlorination are effective methods of making water safe for drinking, chlorine offers additional protection because it continues disinfecting water during storage.
“Boiling kills bacteria, viruses and most parasites while the water is hot, but once it cools and is stored, it can easily become contaminated again. Chlorine leaves a residual effect that continues killing germs for hours or even days inside the storage container,” Okoyo explained.
He added that chlorination also saves households the cost of firewood, charcoal, gas or electricity required for boiling water.
Headteacher Mr. Edward Semei thanked the district health team for dedicating time to educate both pupils and teachers on safe water management. “The provision of proper drinking water facilities will now become one of our priorities,” he said.
The school’s Health Prefect responsible for water, Akello Mary, pledged to encourage pupils to carry personal drinking bottles to reduce congestion around taps and boreholes. “I will ensure pupils carry plastic water bottles so that we minimise crowding at the taps and boreholes,” she said.
The sensitisation forms part of wider efforts by district health authorities and development partners to improve water safety, sanitation and hygiene practices in schools and communities across Pallisa.
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