The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF), a pioneering social enterprise that collaborates with vulnerable communities to the adverse effects of climate change has on Wednesday24th July 2024 held a high-level meeting to discuss the importance of addressing the climate-health nexus in the country.
The meeting at Maple Leaf Hotel in Masaka city has attracted top officials from SCIF led by Ola Bankole, Officilas from Water Aid, Minister of state for water and environment Aisha Sekindi, Both Kalungu and Lyantonde district Leaders, Organizations that are working in climate change mitigation space, members of media among other stakeholders.
During the meeting, Minister Sekindi has noted that SCIF made the researcher in nine district an and came up with plan of helping Kalungu district and Lyantonde in terms of climate resilience because the two district were found having a severe challenge of water scarcity. ‘’ today the organisation was creating awareness to the leadership of the two benefiting districts so that they can also take information to the communities to ensure people stop activities that degrading our environment’’. She said.
In addition, she noted that the organisation is set to extend safe water to people in the two mentioned districts. According to her the project will comprise of installing solar system that will be used to extend water through pipes to people and also rehabilitating water sources that are no longer functioning.
Minister further commended the organisation for training water user committees in the two districts and leadership at different levels to ensure protection of these water sources on behalf of the communities. ‘’ we are so thankful to SCIF Uganda and Water Aid for extending such project to our community.’’ She added.
she also asked politicians to speak about environment protection within their areas and stop the habit of only talking to their people it is time for voting.
In her remarks during the meeting, the Unit Representation for Uganda Virus Research Institute Ms Monica Badaru stated the institute thrilled to partner with the Sustainable Climate Impact Fund and communities in Lyantonde and Kalungu on this journey.
“We are eager to learn about the progress made by the SCIF’s safe water project, in contributing to increased access to safe water for communities in Kalungu and Lyantonde districts, and contributing to global efforts to slow down climate change,” she added.
“Climate change poses a global challenge that requires immediate action. We are committed to implementing more climate-friendly projects in Uganda. We want to continue working hand in hand with communities and government institutions toward healthier, more resilient communities and protecting our natural environment and resources.” John Starmer, Estates Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said.
In the same meeting, Operations Director of SCIF, Ola Bankole said that as an organisation they are delighted that the Safe Water project is changing people’s lives for the better.
“We know from health centres that cases of waterborne diseases have reduced where SCIF has refurbished boreholes, we know women have been able to grow their businesses because they spend less time fetching water and children no longer miss out on school because safe water points have been installed close to home,” Bankole stated.
“Through SCIF some of the aims of sustainable development are being realised.”
The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF) is a pioneering social enterprise aiming to improve the health and well-being of communities affected by climate change and create socio-economic opportunities, especially for women.
In execution of its work, SCIF refurbishes water points that have been non-functional due to disrepair, and currently harbour several health risks to surrounding communities. All installed by the organization boreholes are accompanied by community hygiene education programmes implemented by WaterAid Uganda, and environmental conservation messages.
About the Safe Water Project:
SCIF carried out an extensive project scoping exercise in select districts within Uganda to understand the key issues facing communities and the kinds of project interventions that would be best suited to address them. In 2023/2024 SCIF, in partnership with its implementing partner WaterAid Uganda, started refurbishing defunct boreholes across Kalungu and Lyantonde districts.
Operations are now expanding with an additional 43 water points being installed, a total of 23 in Kalungu districts and 20 in Lyantonde, including a solar-powered motorized unit in Kalungu. The SCIF Safe Water projects have been assessed to address seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1,3,5,6,8,13,15) and will contribute to Uganda’s aim to have safe and affordable drinking water and improved sanitation for all by 2030.
The refurbishment and installation of boreholes greatly enhance access to clean water, thereby reducing waterborne diseases and diarrhoea, while improving air quality and related health outcomes.
