Overview

This project will fund six new water sources on the island of Idjwi on Lake Kivu, one per village.  Currently each village has no clean water, and cholera and other water related diseases are prevalent.  Women and children also spend a long time each day collecting what little water they can, mostly from unclean sources.  Along with the new water sources our partner will also teach the villages about sanitation and hygiene, further reducing the rate of water-related illnesses.  Water management committees will also be set up, and taught how to maintain and repair the water sources, as well as how to run as a committee.

Why support this

Our partner has already provided clean water to a number of other villages across the island of Idjwi so is experienced in this work.  While the need in Idjwi is severe, they have identified the six worst villages to work in, where disease levels are the highest.  The local communities also contribute resources and labour towards the project, giving them a strong sense of ownership.

Budget

The budget is $USD10,991 and funds will be used towards material for the water sources and conducting the training.  Each village will contribute towards the cost of the water source by providing stones and sand and helping construct the water source.

Expected Life Change

• Improved health for six villages as a result of access to clean water
• Reduction in the burden for women and children of having to walk long distances to collect water – this should mean more children in school, and women can spend more time on income generating activities
• Communities empowered to look after their own needs, through establishing and maintaining water management committees