World Bank (1995). Contribution of People’sParticipation: Evidence from 121 Rural Water Supply Projects. [online] Available at: www.worldbank.org
World Bank (1995). Contribution of People’sParticipation: Evidence from 121 Rural Water Supply Projects. [online] Available at: www.worldbank.org
Local agents are essential to the operation and maintenance of our water supply systems. But a local agent’s role isn’t just to help us do our jobs better - it also provides an opportunity for a better life.
Nalongo – an honorific name meaning “mother of twins”- is Water Compass’ local agent for our solar powered water supply system in the village of Mbirizi in central Uganda.
As an agent, Nalongo is responsible for selling and loading credit onto users’ tokens, keeping the water station clean, and informing Water Compass of any issues which arise.
But Nalongo is more than just an agent, she is a partner and has a stake in the water system working.
Every month, she receives a 10% commission of the water credit she sells which provides a small, but steady revenue stream for her. Additionally, Water Compass also gives her space, free-of-charge, within the water station to run a business. Nalongo sells soap, sugar, salt, drinks, snacks and charges phones with the solar power provided. It’s another source of income for her and her family.
The partnership between Nalongo and Water Compass is a win-win for everyone.
Nalongo helps Water Compass to keep the water station clean and working, and she benefits from the steady stream of customers coming to the water station and her shop.
Nalongo says “I love Water Compass because I have benefitted in so many ways. They have brought clean water to our village and I earn money to support my family too.”
Water Compass is grateful to all our agents, just like Nalongo, who are invaluable partners and keep the water flowing in their communities!
