Community-Led Water Project on Yule Island
Yule Island, despite its proximity to the National Capital District, has long struggled with access to essential services. The island’s approximately 2,000 residents, spread across four clan groups, have faced severe challenges due to saltwater inundation and erosion, forcing the relocation of several villages. These issues, coupled with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) problems, have significantly impacted the health and well-being of the community.
The Yule Island Water Project, funded by the Palladium Our Communities Fund, aimed to address these critical issues by improving access to clean water. Women in the community, who often bore the burden of fetching water, endured long and physically demanding journeys. This project focused on bringing water access significantly closer to homes, installing water tanks and poly pipes, and mobilizing local volunteers to create a functional and sustainable water supply system.
Over several days, community members came together to dig trenches, carry equipment, and install the water system. Two new water tanks were strategically installed to support the existing three tanks, maintaining water pressure as it flowed to residents. The additional tanks and pipes increased water pressure, reaching areas that previously lacked collection points and reducing the distance women had to travel for water. Three new water collection points were established, significantly easing the burden on women and children.
Outcomes
For women, the decreased need to travel for water translates into fewer physical injuries and more time for income-generating activities, caregiving, and community engagement. Children, who often accompanied their mothers on these long journeys, now have more time for school, play, and rest, contributing to their overall well-being. Health outcomes are also expected to improve with the increased access to clean water, as households can maintain better hygiene and sanitation practices, reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.
By involving the community in every step, from consultations to installation, this project has not only provided vital infrastructure but has also fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment among the island’s residents.
Kyeema extends our gratitude to the Palladium Our Communities Fund for their generous support, which has made this transformative project possible. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for Yule Island families.
Helen and her family proudly using one of the new water taps on Yule Island.
