Fresh Water
Where We Started
When we first came to the village of Kersa Illala, they were drinking water from the river that runs near the village. During the raining season, the river was full of water and though very polluted, it was somewhat diluted. In the dry season, the river was much smaller and more concentrated, to the point that it was basically raw sewage that the villagers were drinking. They not only drank that “water,” but the river was used to water the livestock, as a garbage dump, as a dead animal disposal site, to wash dirty clothing, and as a bathing facility. Sanitation and hygiene were non-existent and the water borne disease rate in the village was staggeringly high.
What We Have Done
We immediately identified that bringing fresh water was our first priority. We had a survey done to be certain water was available, then had plans drawn up for what would later be called “the most beautiful well in Ethiopia”. We began to meet with anyone who we thought could provide the financing to have the well installed. Several contacts seemed promising, but just kept falling through at the last minute.
In
the summer of 2004 an R.N named Pirkko Gibb, joined us on an expedition (it was
not her first). She was so frustrated at the obvious need for clean water, that
a couple of months after she returned home to Utah, she asked for a copy of the
proposal, took it to the LDS Church offices in Salt Lake City and asked “Who can I meet with to
talk about funding a well in Ethiopia?”. Within two months, the LDS Church had
approved the funds to install a well in Kersa Illala.
The well was completed in November 2005. It is a comprehensive water system with six stations throughout the village. Each station provides fresh drinking water, bathing facilities and wash basins. Since the installation of this system we have seen sharp declines in disease and illnesses and have almost completely eliminated the threat of cholera.
All of the benefits of the new water system have not yet been realized due to traditional cultural behaviors and ignorance. Fresh water received from the well is often stored in containers at home in a way that causes cross contamination.
Current Projects and Future Plans
1. Free Water. Provide unlimited free water from the well on Village of Hope property to families who provide community service to the village.
2. Home Water Storage Containers. Locate a supply of large individual water containers that allow for proper home storage and use. Provide these containers to families who have been educated on their use at low or no costs.
3. Focus on Youth. The youth service group will train all participants on the use and full benefit of the new water systems (water stations and home storage).
How You Can Help:
Support the Youth Service Group.