The community of Harbir have asked HOPE to help them gain access to clean water. They know that when clean water is locally available, health will improve, children will be able to attend school regularly, more food will be grown and adults will have more time to pursue economic-related activities which will benefit their families and community. Clean water will bring hope for their future.
In rural Ethiopia, women and children often walk from one to three hours to collect water. When there is no local water system, people collect water from shallow, unprotected ponds, springs, and streams that are often contaminated by the environment or livestock and waterborne illnesses are prevalent. This means family members are often ill and struggle to work and earn needed money to improve their lives. This is the sad reality for many families in the rural village of Harbir.
HOPE has worked in this region of southern Ethiopia for over 35 years. HOPE has found that clean water access is a catalyst of great change. Therefore, we work with the community to build a water and sanitation infrastructure, capping a nearby spring and channeling clean water to the village, whilst also building wash and water points so everyone can to access clean water locally and safely. HOPE also teaches health education and livelihood skills training to ensure the community can earn money
By having a local source of clean water in the village, 2,615 people will have a future with hope. Disease and death rates will fall (we predict there will be a 50% reduction in waterborne diseases and a 25% reduction in eye-infections, of which we will be monitoring). As pit latrines are also planned, open defecation will also reduce, improving sanitation. HOPE also ensures that the local government and water bureau take an active role in supporting the community after the system handover.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
