Overview

This fourth project with our partner will fund new water sources on North Idjwi in Lake Kivu, eastern DRC. Focusing on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training together with construction of a water catchment system, this project will provide clean water for 18,709 residents of the Kishenyi locality, benefitting a school for orphans, other social structures such as health centres and local churches/community centres, and the very disadvantaged pygmy communities. Latrines and a handwashing station will also be built for the school. The project complements a government program designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by unclean water and poor, or no, knowledge of WASH in villages and schools.

Why support this

Our partner has provided clean water to a number of other villages across the island of Idjwi and has an excellent track record. Whilst the need is extremely high across Idjwi, research has identified the neediest villages where disease levels are the highest. The local communities contribute resources and labour towards construction and are given maintenance training. Committees are formed to manage and maintain the infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. Everyone comes together at the completion of the project for a celebration event, contributing to a strong sense of ownership.

Budget

$78,000 for a 1yr project

Expected Life Change

• Improved health and productivity as a result of access to clean water
• Reduction in the burden for women and children having to walk long distances to collect water – this means 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