An investigation into the potential to reduce the cost of constructed rainwater harvesting tanks in Uganda

In order to identify potential areas for cost reduction of storage tanks, a study of current designs and practices was undertaken in Uganda during June and July of 2007, encompassing seven of the most prominent rainwater harvesting projects in the country.

It was found that nationally high material costs, in particular for cement, inflated
constructed storage costs compared to other countries, and the lack of a mature market for rainwater harvesting tanks exacerbated this issue. The dissemination of designs and construction techniques between sector professionals is not widely practised, and no central database exists which interested parties can consult. There was also little evidence of innovation in improving existing designs or investigating new low-cost storage options.

It is recommended that there be greater collaboration between organisations involved in rainwater harvesting in sharing information about their current projects, so all parties can benefit from the experience of others. Research and development of innovative designs that could lower storage costs should also be pursued. The creation of a new national Rainwater Harvesting Centre, due to open in late 2007, provides a great opportunity for this. More extensive investigation of detailed costs of designs is recommended as a method of identifying further areas for potential cost reductions.