THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED!! Thank you to everyone who donated for clean water!!
We are very excited to begin our 7th water project!
We have seen firsthand the difference clean water makes in the lives of families and whole communities! Children aren’t dying. They attend school. Money that families don’t have isn’t needed for doctor visits. Greater peace in the community because people aren’t fighting over scarce dirty water.
You can read more and see a video about our clean water initiatives here: https://www.hawassahope.org/clean-water-projects/
Hawassa Hope works in partnership with the local authorities to to identify existing water sources that need site improvement and construction where we can make the greatest impact delivering fresh, clean water to families that is long lasting and sustainable and won’t go dry during dry times. The local community is also mobilized to help the project and take ownership in their clean water.
The spring water projects are from proven sustained sources that will provide long lasting sources of contaminant free water.
Just a few weeks ago we visited an area called Bedessa Chicho a few hours from Hawassa. The countryside was amazingly beautiful and made the trip seem much quicker than it actually was.
We made our way to Bona where we met local officials who joined for the rest of the journey. Shortly after they joined us we left the main road and began a ride through rough narrow roads & paths that tested the vehicles four wheel drive capabilities. About 45 minutes in we stopped and were told that is as far as the car would go.
At that point we climbed on to the backs of motorbikes that took us for a twenty minute ride up rough paths, fields, heavily wooded areas and rocky climbs. We then stopped and proceeded to hike the rest of the way. As we walked we were joined by men, women and children.
When we arrived at the site there were a few children collecting water. The water officials explained that this water site is used by 300 households with an average 7 people each. As with our previous projects there is spring water available but it is contaminated by rain runoff, animals, etc. and filled with the sources of several water borne illnesses. The water authority will dig and drill into the earth and stone behind and above where the community collects water to get closer to the source where it is pure and contaminant free. The water will be piped to a containment tank that will continually be filled by the spring flow so that there will be plenty for all the families on demand at all times. Wash basins will be added to provide a place that clothing can be also be washed in clean water!
As I listened to the area residents and Wakayo speak I noticed families listening intently. There was joy on faces knowing that soon they could provide fresh, clean drinking water for their children with no worry of the water borne threats that are ever present today. It is important to note the excited anticipation that we see in these communities for something that we take for granted and don’t give a thought to in our daily lives.
Will you join us in providing clean water to these families? Our goal for this project is $10,500. A big goal but when we all join together, we can bring clean water to hundreds of families!
You can donate or sign up for your own fundraising page to help us raise the funds at the link below!
GIVE CLEAN WATER