The WASH Project aims to decrease the amount of time each family spends per day collecting water, increase their safety, and will promote a saving culture within the community as it will be coupled with a curriculum to teach the community members proper sanitation and hygiene practices. Access to water in the Nama sub-county is limited due to a dearth of access points to water and a maintenance problem but the WASH Project will empower the community members to take ownership of the sources.
The Mpoma population still has an astonishing ratio of 15-20% HIV-positive. Female-headed households comprise 60-70% of homes as many husbands have either passed away or left their wives and children to care for themselves. Due to limited capacity of a jerrycan, the vessel used to transport water, families often must make the trip 2-3 times per day to maintain an adequate supply of water in their homes.
Through reparation and creation of water sources, the project aims to increase the access to water in 8 vulnerable villages in the Nama-sub county. The WASH Project will empower the community members to take ownership of the sources. Each village will be asked to donate 25% of the cost and create a savings fund for future repairs. While increasing access to water, the project will also impart an educational curriculum unique to each community and their needs.
The long-term effects follow a model of sustainability, as it was proposed, discussed and chosen by the community members, Mpoma Community HIV/AIDS Initiative team and GlobeMed at UCLA interns. Once the WASH project has been expanded and funded, it will be able to function independently and continue to have significant effects on the community. The project will continue to be monitored into the future and ensure successful access to water as well as eliminate the danger members are exposed to.
