Empoo School depended on rainwater which was highly seasonal. Learners often carried water from home in small water containers. During dry spells, the school operated without water for weeks. Sanitation facilities were broken or missing doors and the hygiene situation was dire, with no soap, water, or menstrual hygiene resources. Across the five villages surrounding the school, none of the households had a toilet, posing major health risks to the community as the main source of drinking water was water and seasonal rivers.