LifeSpring was established in 2016 by a pair of UK engineers, after spending time volunteering in Uganda on water and sanitation projects. Although rain is common, water storage facilities here are rare, so we came up with a design for a rainwater storage tank that is both practical and durable. Our aim is to provide schools and communities with access to water, and to date, we have built 10 tanks in the Bukedea district, Uganda. Our projects are led by our local Ugandan team on the ground who ensure community engagement and high quality construction and maintenance.
Not only does this work enable the community to learn a range of skills but most importantly children are kept in lessons rather than spending much of their day at the borehole collecting water for their class. Collecting water is risky and children are frequently injured or assaulted whilst doing this, so these tanks offer them safety.
Children at Faith school using their tanks
Water tank at Ongaara Primary School
LifeSpring uses construction techniques which are cost effective and rely on minimal equipment. All material is sourced locally by our Ugandan team, who lead on the construction and maintenance of the tanks. We have shown that a 10,000l water tank for a primary school can be constructed for under £1000 (materials and labour)! This is less than half the price of a plastic rainwater collection tank, commonly used in Uganda, and lasts for much longer when properly maintained. LifeSpring's tanks have the double advantage of longevity and avoiding unnecessary plastic waste.
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