Gatongati Village, nestled in the remote reaches of Nyanza District’s Cyabakamyi Sector, is experiencing a transformational journey propelled by a fundamental necessity: clean water.

Ferina Mujara, a community member whose story epitomizes the profound impact of improved water access on education and overall well-being, narrates the change.

Before the rehabilitation of the water supply system, children in Gatongati faced an arduous journey to fetch water from a nearby swamp- a round trip that consumed between one and a half to two hours of their time each day, Ferina says.

This grueling task often resulted in tardiness to school, compromising their academic performance and leaving parents like Ferina deeply concerned about their children’s future.

"My child used to struggle in school," Ferina recounts, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Fetching water from the swamp meant he was often late, affecting his studies."

However, the USAID-funded Isoko y’Ubuzima project’s rehabilitation of the water supply system has transformed the landscape of Gatongati. Now, within a mere 500 meters, a public water tap stands as a beacon of hope, offering clean water to the community.

"My child’s school performance has improved drastically," Ferina exclaims, her face alight with pride. "He now has the time to revise his subjects and is no longer burdened by the long journey to fetch water."

Ferina’s 14-year-old child, once weighed down by the relentless cycle of fetching water, now exudes happiness and vitality. "We are happy, the children are happy, and the parents are happy," Ferina says with a smile. We are well off."

The positive impact of this transformation extends beyond academic success – it permeates every aspect of daily life.

Previously, Ferina’s child approached the task of fetching water reluctantly, always anxious about being late. Now, with the public water tap just a five-minute walk away, mornings are characterized by a sense of ease and routine.

"Our mornings have changed," Ferina explains. "My child can now sleep well, knowing that water is readily available. He fetches water in the morning and is at school by 7:30 am."

"Normally, school starts at 8:30 am," Ferina elaborates. "Now, he’s at school one hour in advance, whereas he used to be late."

Through Isoko y’Ubuzima, communities in Nyanza, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Kirehe, Ngoma, Nyagatare, Nyabihu, Ruhango, and Nyamagabe are experiencing tangible improvements in their quality of life thanks to newly rehabilitated water supply systems. Close to 150,000 more people have access to water now thanks to new connections to existing water supply systems or improved services due to fixing broken networks.