Orapak borehole is in Morungatuny Sub county in Amuria.
The closest water point to the community of 610 people in Orapak (105 households) was previously over 2 miles away. The community also has a primary school of 262 pupils and a weekly market that attracts around 400 people.
The lack of local fresh water created many issues in the community not least a lack of hygiene and high levels of disease.
The time spent collecting water also meant that children missed school to collect water and girls, in particular, put themselves at risk walking long distances in the evenings.
Sadly the time spent away from home collecting water was a source of tension sometimes resulting in domestic violence.
The community had sought a borehole many times through local government without success but liaison by PAG North Teso with the local government office yielded success.
Finding water in this area is difficult as the water table is low and can only be reached by large scale drilling operations. PAG North Teso teamed up with Teso Development Trust to seek funding for the well to be sunk. Generous giving by friends and family in memory of long time TDT support Dr Michael Winter went a long way to raising the necessary funds and with support from TDT general funds the project was able to be undertaken.
A plaque is being placed on the well in memory of Dr Winter.
Representatives of TDT visited the borehole in October 2024 and felt the joy of the community.
Representatives of TDT visited the borehole in October 2024 and felt the joy of the community.
Importantly the borehole not only services the local community but also the local school for which operation is much easier with water near at hand for cooking and drinking.
The children sang the visitors a welcome.