For over two decades, Joyce Maina’s life in Emukoye village was a constant struggle. Her days were consumed by the challenging and often dangerous task of fetching water. She had to compete with schoolchildren at the local spring, navigate a long, muddy path, and endure long queues. At home, she had equally a poor sanitation facility, her latrine made of mud, which was hard to clean and created unpleasant odors.
The Emukoye Water Project funded by Water 1st through Community Asset Building and Development Action (CABDA) in Shianda Marenyo Ward, Butere Sub County, completely changed Joyce’s life. Her household was one of 281 to receive piped water and the 94 supported in building a flush toilet. This transformation brought immediate relief. Water is now easily accessible at her home, making daily chores manageable.
Reflecting on her journey, Joyce testifies to the impact of the project which has brought a sense of dignity and decent. She describes her new toilet as a “luxury” that is easy to clean and free from flies and odors. Her emotional testimony perfectly captures the project’s success: ‘Having water within my reach feels like a dream come true, the new toilet is like an attire that I ever dreamed of putting on’. Through the project, CABDA aims at connecting 700 households across five villages: Emukoye, Musango, Mulwanda, Musambilisi, and Eshirumba to clean piped water.
