Water for peace, water for health

In the heart of Kalu Woreda in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, two residents – Zeritu Endris and Zeyneba Sitotaw – represent the challenges many face in accessing safe drinking water. Their stories highlight the critical impacts of drinking water accessibility on individual lives, households, and the entire community.

In 2021, armed conflict ravaged critical parts of the drinking water supply of kebeles 033 and 034. After the supply's electrical system, submersible pump, and generator were damaged, the regional government and district water bureaus needed to be in a position to rehabilitate the system. The costs of doing so required significant investment.

Twice daily, Zeritu, accompanied by her young daughter, would walk towards the Dierma River to gather water for her family of four. On each trip, mother and daughter would lug back approximately 20 litres of water at a time. Each trip was physically demanding. Domestic tensions often ensue as the family routinely distributes water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.

In the nearby village, 59-year-old Zeyneba fetched water from the Borkena River between 6:00 and 7:00 to avoid drawing contaminated water. Due to a kebele's human waste, upstream pollution constantly threatened the community. Several times a year, waterborne parasitic outbreaks occur, exposing the 1,473 residents of the kebele to diseases such as bilharzia and giardia.

Such immense challenges require multi-level collaboration, which in kebeles 033 and 034 was achieved thanks to the leadership of the local government.

With USAID support, the SNV Transform Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (T-WASH) project implemented several interventions to address the immediate need for safe water.

• Replacements for a submersible pump and generator were delivered.

• Over 1,000 meters of piping were installed to ensure consistent and fair water distribution to all residents.

• A new generator and operator house at the borehole and a guardhouse adjacent to the 100 m3 service reservoir were constructed to safeguard the facilities.

• A public drinking water point with six faucets was rehabilitated.

To sustain water services, capacity-strengthening activities for the kebeles' Water Users Association (WUA) accompanied facility investments. Members of WUAs were introduced to concepts and methods of improved water governance and management, bringing women leaders into the fold.

Based on lessons derived from capacity strengthening, more effective water fee collection and management have been introduced. Today, water users pay ETB 1 for every 20 litres of water. These fees cover operations and maintenance costs, including payment for water technicians and guards.

Lastly, the WUA leaders also gained a better understanding of the regional water management proclamation and ways to prevent or resolve conflict.

'We now have water right in our yard,' said Zeritu. She added, 'It's a relief not to worry about walking to the river.' Zeyneba, on the other hand, spoke about the health benefits of the more recent service improvements. She exclaimed, 'We no longer have to think about waterborne diseases.'

The ripple effects of these interventions have reached far beyond both women and their households.

All 1,473 kebele residents now enjoy the benefits of having a functional, reliable, and more secure drinking water facility system.

• 660 residents can now access their water through a public water point, and

• 813 residents can now access water through a yard connection.

To conclude, the USAID Transform WASH programme has positively impacted many lives.

These individual stories contribute to a broader transformation narrative, highlighting the importance of reliable water sources for community well-being and public health. Success can be realised through partnerships and a combination of improvements in infrastructure, operations, and maintenance.

Contact Kassahun, Befekadu, for more information through our office in Ethiopia.