Build a water supply for 3,000 villagers in Haiti

The hard working people of Los Palis Haiti are in dire need of a safe and consistent supply of drinking water to lower mortality rates and allow them to work and attend school.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge? The 3,000 villagers, especially children under 5, will directly benefit from the revitalization and expansion of their existing water source, which is over 20 years old, inadequate, and unsafe. The project has begun with the installation of a new water well in the school yard and piping. Funding is now needed for items such as a solar-powered well pump, new piping, and food for local labor. EWB-Atlanta engineering services are rendered for free, and travel expenses are paid by each member and are not drawn from funding.

How will this project solve this problem? We do not give handouts. Community members are actively involved in all aspects of the process. This instills a sense of ownership and ensures sustainability. Additionally, they are required to institute a water taxation policy that will pay for future maintenance. Already, they have agreed to this, and the twinning parish has agreed to match this by 100%! Two assessment trips have been conducted and the water system expansion has been designed. A new water well has been installed. Project scope and costs for materials and food for local labor are defined. Community partnerhip has been established. We will return to continue construction in December 2010. But, we need more funding.

Potential Long Term Impact Villagers will no longer have to walk 20 miles to the nearest source, which is also contaminated. This will greatly improve the local economy, health, and allow opportunities for education. The 10% under 5 child mortality rate will be lowered. Long-term, a generation of new leaders will ideally emerge to assist in bringing Haiti out of perpetual poverty. USAID has also expressed a high degree of approval for this project.