Rainwater tanks for Uganda – clean water, real change

At Borrmeister Architects, we’ll admit – we’re better at doing than talking.

We don’t often ring our own bells, but this project is different, and we hope you'll take a moment to read why.

We're proud to be working in partnership with the Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS) in Uganda on something deeply meaningful: helping families in the Isingiro District build simple, sustainable rainwater harvesting tanks.

In New Zealand, we turn on a tap without a second thought.

But in Isingiro, families – mostly women and children – walk between 3 to 8ks every day to collect water that’s often unsafe. 

During the dry season, some travel even further.

It’s a daily task that impacts health, keeps girls out of school, and limits income and opportunity.

We’re architects who care about more than buildings – we believe in design that improves lives. 

That’s why this project matters to us.

Each rainwater tank is a shared effort: 50% funded by donors, 50% by the family receiving it.

It takes just NZ$490 to change a family’s future. 

There are no middlemen – no overhead – just real, direct impact.

If you would like to learn more or would like to get involved – just head over to our website or talk to us.

Making a difference – the family of Topista Tibenderana

Topista Tibenderana and her family were the first to be supported by Borrmeister Architects through the Family Rainwater Tank project in rural Uganda. 

Living in a remote village half a kilometre from the nearest road, all construction materials had to be carried in by hand – a testament to the resilience of Topista, her family, and the local community.

Before receiving support, the family relied on rock catchments and distant seasonal streams – walking up to 7km during dry seasons for mineral-heavy, unsafe water. 

With the help of Borrmeister Architects and the Centre for Community Solidarity (CCS), a rainwater tank was constructed behind their home, near the kitchen, making access to water safe, reliable, and close by.

This milestone has brought dramatic improvements to the family’s daily life – ensuring better health, security, and a hopeful future. 

Topista’s story showcases the powerful impact of community-led, sustainable water solutions in hard-to-reach areas.

One tank – one family – many lives transformed

These community-built tanks provide more than just clean water: 

• Better health outcomes
• Girls stay in school
• Families can grow food and generate income
• Increased climate resilience
• Community-led, lasting change

This initiative is rooted in the spirit of the United Nations SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – a reminder that real progress requires collaboration. 

Our focus on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation reflects how access to clean water drives so many other outcomes – from education to equality to economic development.

Find out more about taking part in something simple, human, and life-changing – visit the Borrmeister Architects website here

Story by: Trendsideas