Acts for Water’s story began over 50 years ago now and the journey all these years since is nothing short of a miracle framed in perseverance and strength to walk alongside those in deep need. One thing has remained consistent through it all: the need for water. And it’s with that truth and this legacy that Acts for Water leans forward for 50 more.

1971
1971

Mr. Jim Wardroper went to visit Ethiopia and Yemen to see the promising work of the “Red Sea Mission Team.” A devastating illness called cholera, had spread throughout the community of Zeideyeh because of the dirty water being consumed. It was insisted that a water source be drilled to ensure the safety of the people.

1972
Red Sea Desert Development Society founded by Jim Wardroper
1972

The “Red Sea Desert Development Society” (R.S.D.D.) officially became an organization. They took on the project of creating a well for the community of Zeideyeh. Tragically, they were denied access to drill in Zeideyeh. As an alternative, the project was switched to provide clean water for the village of Thio.

1973
1973

Drilling in Theo looked promising, yet, at the last minute they were unable to continue.

1975
Red Sea Desert Development begins work in Uganda
1975

Jim Wardroper undertook a field trip to Uganda where he saw the lack of mobility. To meet this need, the R.S.D.D. sent spare parts and 75 bikes to the community; the gift arrived about a year later.

1976
1976

Trips to Kenya and Sudan revealed a similar need for bicycles for the church in Sudan. 75 more bicycles and 20 vehicle tires were sent to aid them.

1977
1977

A major exodus of refugees leaving Uganda took place. The R.S.D.D. sent used clothing to Kenya and Sudan and in collaboration with “Food for the Hungry”, provisions were sent to feed the hungry. -A request was made for a water supply to be established in the Gabbra tribe.

1978
1978

A second load of clothing was sent to the refugees in Kenya and Sudan. Technical recommendations were offered to different areas of Kenya to create new water supplies. A  team of Canadian water engineers flew to Kisumu to help fix water problems and a trip was made to Ethiopia to further help the Gabbra tribe and to advise on a water problem at Moyale hospital.

1979
1979

A third load of clothing was sent to the Ugandan refugees and a report was made to provide water services in the Kisumu area and the village of Saradidi. And another load of 50 bicycles plus a vehicle were sent to the Bunyoro-Kitara diocese in Uganda.

1980
1980

A request was made for storage facilities to be made in Sudad to help prevent starvation, caused by seasonal famines. The request also included large trucks to transport food and more bikes. Two sets of audio equipment were provided for Bunyoro and spare vehicle parts were provided for the communities there. Then a plan was created for a water pipeline to be installed in a town called Ibanda. Further planning and designing took place in Vancouver. And it was revealed that the state of Zaire was in need of desperate help.

1981
1981

120 bikes were sent to various communities around Africa along with a load of cement shipped to get a start on the Saradidi Rural Health Project.In Maasailand, the local people were given water catchment advice to collect water for cattle.

1982
ACTS turns 10!
1982

A reservoir project, in the Gabbra tribe, was successfully completed and adopted by World Concern. A plan was made to create a bridge, crossing the Kiyanja stream in the Ruwenzori district of Uganda. A Bedford truck, which was being driven to Africa, broke down in Sicily with a rescue operation organized with the assistance of Operation Mobilization.220 more bicycles were sent to various communities in Uganda. On top of that, a sectional grain storage bin was delivered to Sudan and pipes for the Ibanda water project were delivered.The construction of two posho mills for the diocese of North Kigezi were made.

1983
Red Sea Desert Development renamed ACTS
1983

The name “Africa Community Technical Service” was adopted at the Annual General Meeting. The Ibanda water supply project was completed.Funds were sent to provide a new vehicle and spare parts and another 14 bicycles were sent to the Diocese of East Ankole.

1984
1984

4 motorcycles were provided for the diocese of Nairobi, and over 100 bicycles were supplied for Tanzania.The UNHCR requested ACTS and the AEE to assist in the resettlement of the refugees. A visit was also made to Lodwar in Northern Kenya to provide food for the starving Turkana tribesmen and a resettlement plan was made for the society. A “Hydra  Drill” was air freighted to Kenya to drill a well for the Turkana people in the Eldoret diocese.

1986
1986

Paul Carlson, a hard rock miner, volunteered to be ACTS’ first full time overseas worker. This enabled the start of drilling at Lodwar where a new type of pump system was implemented. A working agreement with the Life Ministry of Kenya was created.Bishop Yokana of Mityana visited Vancouver to communicate the need in Africa. ACTS sent a container with a tractor, used clothes, typewriters, sewing machines and other necessary equipment to Mityana. 120 bicycles were also sent there.

1987
1987

An application to join the “Canadian Council of Christian Charities” was sent. Don Stewart became office manager and Calvin Collins also joined to help with surveying and media. A trip was made to Zair and for each place they visited, 60 bicycles were ordered. In Mityana, a meeting was held with the clergy of the diocese to discuss ongoing plans.

1990
Ruharo Carpentry School built
1992
Jim Wardroper retires and David Moore is hired as Executive Director of ACTS
Lake Bunyonyi Development Project begins!
Bujaga Water Project Complete

9000 people served

ACTS turns 20!
1998
Bujaga 2 Water Project Complete

10,986 people served

1999
Kisyoro Water Project Complete!

9,097 people served

ACTS’ first CIDA-funded interns go to Uganda
2000
Kanyara and Ndeija Water Projects Complete

10,000 people served

2002
ACTS turns 30!
Rubingo Water Project complete

5,091 people served

2004
Kwekitui Community Library Project
Clearwater Water Project complete

4,633 people served

2005
First Mutual Benefit Society established
2007
Clearwater II Water Project Complete

7,887 people served

Nyakigyera Water Project Complete

4,400 people served

Rwentutu Water Project Complete

320 people served

2008
Sweetwater (Kanywameizi) Water Project Complete

5,600 people served

Sweetwater (Kinyamufura) Water Project Complete

12,289 people served

Chamazi Community Library Project
2009
Lifewater Water Project Complete

8,800 people served

First Kitambaa Designs quilting workshop held in Mbarara; the Bitengye Designers are born!
2011
Bwesumbu Water Project Complete

7,730 people served

Kasangari Water Project Complete

1,200 people served

2012
ACTS turns 40!
2014
David Moore retires and Nate Lepp is hired as Executive Director of ACTS
2016
Canadian government project funding comes to an end
2017
Jeff Golby starts as CEO
2018
Broke ground in KICUZI (Phase 1)

During this phase, our team began a process of dramatically improving our program outcomes through the introduction of a more holistic approach, focussing not just on the provision of clean water but also on the extended WASH training within communities.

Broke ground in KOGABI (Phase 1b)
2020
KOGABI Commissioning

Our program grows leaps and bounds!

COVID pivot to emergency relief work and hygiene awareness
Latrine Project at Matuure Primary School
Local government commits to project with largest contribution to date!
Broke ground in KOTA (Phase 2)
2021
Broke ground in KOTA Muhaha (Phase 3)
Added KISABO extension (1KM from Muhaha)
Taps turned on in KISABO at Nyamabaare PS
Introduce Sweeter Water/Nyakigyera
2022
Final KICUZI Project Commissioning