Water Harvesting Tank Part II - Q&As

After posting my last entry, I received a number of great questions. I think this is a reflection of my poor writing skills so let me make a second attempt to provide better details.

Q1: What's the point of creating this water tank if it'll be easily contaminated and breed mosquitoes? Isn't this just a "quick fix" that will later cause more problems?
A1: Because the completed water tanks are sealed by the heavy plastic, nothing will go in or out except through the wooden door / latch. (See the last picture from the previous posting). Contamination will only occur if users leave the door open and unattended for an extended period of time.

Q2: You are proposing that rain water is used for consumption. Rain water is not clean in most places. Won't that make people sick too?
A2: Other than rain, rural villagers only have distant, contaminated wells as an alternative source. These wells get contaminated because they are uncovered, pollution, other contaminants like animal / human feces enter the well. Also the government even advises those who have access to tap water to boil it before drinking.

On the other hand rain water is quite safe compared to the alternatives. Rain water is mostly used for washing, irrigation, and animals. In fact, rain water can be boiled and safely consumed afterwards. 

Q3: Are you trying to build a water tank for each household so that each family has close access to water?
A3: We have built water tanks for communities as well as individual households. If there is a cluster of houses in an area, we will build a tank for the community. If the family lives in a remote area, we will build one for the family.

Q4: Who gets the first water tank? I'm guessing that there is a huge demand?
A4: REAP and our FSD team will give priority to households that have a large number of children (ex: 5+ kids) or a family with a single parent. Other factors like distance to the nearest source of water will be used as a criteria.

Q5: How long does it take to fill up the tank?
A5: Uganda has two periods of rainy season per given year. During the three months of heavy rain, rain will fall copiously and heavily for few hours, sometimes days at a time. Although exact time can't be given, there is abundant rain during this time to fill up the tank.

Q6: What's the lifespan of the tank? Can it be used year after year?
A6: With the straw mat on top to protect the plastic, water tank can last up to three years before upkeep is needed. So the water tanks can be used year after year. Only part that requires replacement is the plastic covering the tank. In the future, we may explore ways to extend the life of the plastic or replace it with another material altogether. 

Thanks again and please let me know if there are more questions.