Water conservation is a sustainable way to live in the slums of Kampala.

Sustainable Slum Living: Water conservation as a sustainable way to live in the slums of Kampala.

The Kampala Metropolitan Area is surrounded by over 57 slum communities. The government has various initiatives to improve Kampala, and one of them includes relocating the slum communities elsewhere. While this may be an effective way to clean up the city, it may not solve the problem even in the new area. The government needs to start thinking of a sustainable way of developing the city along with the slum communities. Finding a sustainable and long-term solution is critical for both the development of Kampala and the livelihoods of its citizens.

Most of these communities face a number of challenges, one of which is access to water and proper sanitation. The cost of water is too high for these low-income communities to afford, and a sustainable solution would be greatly needed. As water access is made possible, there is a need to conserve water.

So how can slum communities live sustainably through water conservation?

1. Fixing leaks: Leaky taps and pipes can waste a lot of water, so residents can repair or replace leaks to conserve water. This can be a great way to reduce water usage and save money on water bills. Residents of slums should inspect all of their house’s taps and pipes on a regular basis, especially if their water bills suddenly increase. If a leak is identified, it is important to repair it quickly before more water is wasted By making sure that taps and pipes are in working order, residents can help conserve water and save money. This may call for electing leaders or individuals who will be tasked with inspecting the taps and pipes in the communities.
2. Collecting rainwater: Rainwater collection has been a technique that has been used by homes for over 40 years. Many slums in Kampala lack access to clean water, so residents can collect and store rainwater for later use. This can be done by installing a rainwater harvesting system on the roof or using containers to collect water during the rainy season. In slum areas, having about five houses and linking the collection pipes into a 10,000-liter tank can help support the houses and the neighbours, especially in the dry seasons. It further reduces the cost of the bills they pay.
3. Using low-flow fixtures: Low-flow fixtures, such as showerheads and toilets, can reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort. In slums, many houses or families use an outside bathroom, and when taking a shower, they collect water in a basin or small bucket. This can create waste. It is not easy to measure the quantity of water needed, but a low-flow fixture such as a shower enables you to regulate how much water is flowing and how much you need. These low-flow fixtures can be linked to the rainwater collection centres mentioned above.
4. This can also be further supported by taking shorter showers. This can conserve water.
5. Washing clothes and dishes efficiently: Instead of washing clothes and dishes by hand, residents can use a bucket to collect and reuse greywater from washing clothes or dishes. This grey water can then be taken to the rainwater collection centre and stored for further use. A good example would be using greywater from washing clothes to clean the toilets or mop the floor.
6. The government would improve sustainability in these communities by constructing a mini-water collection system that would filter the water and return it to the community. This system could be used to reduce water consumption in the community, thus reducing the need for expensive and unsustainable long-distance piping systems This would also reduce the amount of waste produced in the community, as there would be no need for water-intensive detergents or costly sewage treatment plants. Furthermore, this system could be powered by renewable sources of energy such as solar panels or wind turbines, making it even more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
7. Community education: This is by far the most important thing to do. Community education on the importance of water conservation and how to conserve water can also help promote water conservation in the community. In many of these communities, there is a need for a mindset change because of the low level of literacy. Community education can be done through the community meetings that are held, door-to-door sensitization, the use of community radios, and the use of IEC (information, Education & Communication) materials like posters, pamphlets, leaflets, and banners. To ensure community education is effective, it should be tailored to suit the context and level of understanding of each community, and the community should be encouraged to participate in activities that can help them understand and implement the information provided. By making water conservation an important part of the community’s culture, community members can become better informed and empowered to make sustainable decisions.

In conclusion, water conservation can greatly enable these low income communities to cut back on their costs. To effectively engage these communities in water conservation efforts, community education as one of the pillars should focus on teaching the public about simple techniques they can use to save water and the long-term effects that overusing water can have. Water conservation is a key step to economic sustainability, and in the long-term, it can result in an improved quality of life for low-income communities.

Overall, conserving water in the slums of Kampala requires a combination of individual and community actions, as well as support from government and non-governmental organizations.