Water is essential to human health and well-being, and like many African countries, Ethiopia is facing a water crisis.
Being the second most populous country in Africa with one of the fastest growing economies in the region, it is surprising that approximately 60 million Ethiopians still lack access to safe drinking water, according to the World Bank.
Drought and water scarcity are recurring challenges, and together with growing water demands, climate change, and watershed degradation, there are mounting pressures on the country’s natural resources.
Access to safe drinking water is not evenly distributed in Ethiopia. Rural communities have less access than their urban counterparts despite the country’s abundant water sources. The largely poor and rural population has had a history of low investment in infrastructure by the government, and access to potable water supply and sanitation services are among the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recently, Ethiopia has been making substantial progress in increasing water supply coverage. The considerable efforts have improved and expanded access to potable water supply, although many Ethiopian rural communities still suffer from a lack of safe drinking water.
Jimma is a town situated in the southwestern part of Ethiopia, in a region characterized by dense forests and renowned for its coffee plantations. The residents of Jimma primarily rely on ponds and traditional wells to meet their water needs. Consequently, they face severe water shortages. The costs associated with digging wells and installing pumps have risen significantly, making it financially challenging for these predominantly poor communities to afford such infrastructure.
Life for Relief and Development is sympathetic to the Ethiopians’ struggle for clean water. The digging of shallow wells and installation of hand pumps in its Water Well Initiative in August 2024 has significantly facilitated their process of drawing water.
The initiative installed four wells in total in the town of Jimma, serving various beneficiaries, including extremely poor and marginalized families, widows, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities.
This improvement has not only made water collection more accessible but also enhanced hygiene standards. As a result, the community has experienced a reduction in water-borne diseases.
The impact of the project on beneficiaries is substantial. For example, in addition to providing clean water, the wells prevent children from having to fetch water from distant locations, allowing them to attend school on time. Additionally, pregnant and lactating mothers now have convenient access to water, eliminating the need to walk long distances.
LIFE believes this enhancement in Jimma’s water infrastructure will improve the lives of its residents significantly. By lowering the risk of water-borne diseases and making clean water more accessible, the community can be healthier, more productive, and have hope for a brighter future.
Commentaires