| dc.description.abstract | Introduction
The lack of an up to standard management of rainwater harvesting systems causes contamination of harvested rainwater; this destroys the entire purpose as to why rainwater harvesting is carried out. And thereby leaves in Makindye municipality the challenge of the lack of enough wholesome water for domestic use. According to Water.org (Water.org 2022), out of Uganda’s population of 45 million people, 38 million people (83% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely managed water source. Factors such as the current large population of over 48 million people, and economic development that has pioneered movements from rural areas to informal settlements around urban areas have caused water stresses and increased poor sanitation in the informal settlements in the urban areas, of the kind such as in Makindye; thereby causing negative public health issues such as poor sanitation, increased risk of contracting infectious waterborne diseases, and spending large amounts of money on purchasing water.
The levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on management of safe rainwater harvesting systems are determined by socioeconomic factors in Makindye. Overall, these factors have caused low levels of engagement in safe rainwater harvesting.
There needs to be promotion of investment in safe household/institutional RWH on a large scale for assurance of safe water availability at all times.
Methodology
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design and data was collected from 333 participants. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and observational checklists were used to collect quantitative data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on management of a safe RWH system. Key informant interviews were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data generated was analyzed using STATA V13.0 software. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
In the study, I obtained data mainly from households and schools in the 17 parishes of Makindye division. I successfully interviewed 333 respondents out of an earlier presumed 351 sample size (a 95% response); 311 households and 22 institutions (mostly schools). The average number of water users in the institutions was 467 per institution and that of the households was 5 persons.
The average age of all respondents was 41 completed years as per date of interview, of which 61.56% (205) were male and 38.44% (128) were female. Irrespective of the amount of rainwater harvested, 85% of the respondents affirmed that they actually practice RWH in their homes/institutions. About cleaning of rainwater catchment, delivery, and storage equipment, 53.80% cleaned the equipment only when they were clogged with dirt, 20.10% cleaned their system at least one a year, and 26.10% reported that they did not clean their system equipment at all. Majority (83.48%) affirmed that RWH promotes safe water sustainability. | en_US |
