Kelementine Nasite, a 90-year-old resident of Buta O Cell in Muyembe town council, Bulambuli District, lives with her grandson in an area frequently affected by heavy rains and flooding.
At her age, accessing basic sanitation is not only essential but critical to her health and dignity. “During the rainy season, my latrine would flood with water, and I could not use it,” she recalls. “It was very difficult for me at my age to find an alternative.” Kelementine says.
The lack of a reliable sanitation facility exposed her to health risks and compromised her dignity, as she often had to depend on unsafe or inconvenient options.
Oxfam supported the construction of an EcoSan latrine at her home. The raised structure was specifically designed to withstand flooding, making it suitable for her environment.
Kelementine expresses her gratitude with a smile: “I am very happy with this latrine. It is raised and does not flood like the previous one. It is safe and easy for me to use.”
The EcoSan latrine has significantly improved her access to safe sanitation, even during heavy rains. It has restored her dignity and reduced the risks associated with poor sanitation practices.
Beyond meeting her immediate needs, the latrine is also improving the well-being of her household. Her grandson now has access to a safe and reliable sanitation facility, reducing exposure to disease and creating a healthier home environment.
This has strengthened their household’s resilience, especially during the rainy seasons when sanitation challenges are most severe.
Kelementine remains hopeful that the improved sanitation will support her family’s well-being in the years ahead. Her household is one of the households that received improved access to safe, reliable, and inclusive water services.
Through this Oxfam’s intervention, communities in Mbale and Bulambuli districts witnessed renewed access to safe and reliable water services.