Villagers in Winsley are celebrating the completion of a water supply in Uganda, for which they have raised £7,500 over the last two years.

A borehole and handpump were provided for the 2,500 villagers of Busaikya in South East Uganda through the charity Just a Drop, which aims to reduce child mortality by delivering accessible, clean, safe water.

Until now, the only water supplies close to the village were shallow wells next to dirty swamps; which often dried up in summer, forcing people to either walk several miles to an alternative supply or to use dirty and unsafe open ponds also used by wild and domestic animals.

Just a Drop is one of the three charities supported by The Winsley Village Project, which raises funds for some of the poorest people in the world. Money is also raised for Mercy Ships to support the operation of its hospital ship, which provides a range of medical and surgical help to people in West Africa, and Medecins Sans Frontieres, which provides immediate assistance to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and conflicts worldwide.

The Winsley Village Project started in 1985 and has supported many charities over the years.

Phillip Bush, chairman of the Winsley Village Project committee, said: “The new water supply will transform the lives of the people in Busaikya, leading to improved health for everyone, because they will no longer be drinking contaminated water.

“It will also give better educational opportunities for girls, who have often been kept out of school to collect water, and increased opportunities for women, who will now have time to devote to other activities.”

The money was raised by fundraising events in Winsley, including two casserole nights, two safari suppers, a murder mystery evening, a coffee morning, a puddings evening, an autumn fair, and lots of donations from individuals and village organisations.