Thirsty for Clean Water, Hungry for HOPE

In many parts of Ethiopia, typically five to six villages are grouped togetherto form a community called a “Kebele” which is an administrative unit. Each Kebele elects a chairman and a vice chairman who are put in charge of managing community development and resolving problems in the community. 

In recent months, whilst fundraising takes place for UK for this life-changing water and sanitation project, Samuel Gota, the Kebele Chairman, welcomed HOPE staff to the Kebele Administrative Office and further explained the current situation of the Zala Dola community. He and Arega Abba, the Kebele’s Vice Chairman, said that there are three main issues in Zala Dola right now.  They are: 

1. Lack of clean water access  
   “Though it’s a basic need for us, we have no water systems in this community,” said Arega. People in Zala Dola currently fetch water from springs or streams nearest to their neighbourhoods which are often contaminated. “We are very much looking forward to eventually having clean and accessible water,” said Samuel. 
2. No Access to Health Facilities
   Arega told us that there are no proper health facilities in this community. "There was once a private health clinic, but it closed down. There is a so-called health post, but they cannot treat most of their diseases, including water-borne diseases because most of the health posts in the rural sites do not have enough medicine, equipment or electricity to power the facilities. Therefore, the heath posts usually provide support to only pregnant mothers and children under 5 years old who are suffering from malnutrition."  "If we get sick, and need proper treatment, we have to walk to the town of Geresse (about 10 to 15 kms from Zala Dola),” added one of the villagers.    
3. Poor road access to the community
   Samuel explained that the poor access by roads to the community causes the above problems. Zala Dola is about 5.6 kms off of the main road, connected by another very rough and muddy dirt road. “So, even though we have problems that should be solved, the government doesn’t pay much attention to us,” he said. “We feel neglected.” 

Since they are deeply aware of the difficult accessibility to Zala Dola, both Samuel and Arega were very thankful to HOPE for choosing their community as an intervention site. “We thank you all, in God’s name, for coming to this remote area to help us. We are very happy and are ready to cooperate and contribute in any way you ask of us,” Samuel said gratefully. “The way is open for you.” 

We invite you to support this effort to bring clean water to Zala Dola!  The way is open for you too!