In the second instalment of our mini blog series we take a more in-depth look at our progress in the three Kebeles (villages) in the Jabi Tehnan Woreda (region) of Ethiopia.
In the past six-months we have made great progress with our projects. Here is an overview of the key outcomes from our recent work.
Improved access to safe water supply in the Weynima and Mankusa Abdogoma Kebeles
In the Weynima Kebele the water supply was handed over to Hiwot Water User Association. Since then close follow up and technical support has been provided to the Kokeb Rural Water User Association. This will support the project's sustainability and longevity. The work that has been done has made sure there is continuous water supply which will ensure that communities can access reliable sources of water long-term.
We have also successfully completed the construction and inauguration of the Mankusa Abdogoma Water Supply System. The Country Director of WaterAid Ethiopia along with other senior management staff members joined the inauguration ceremony and now system is providing safe drinking water to over 4,500 people living in Mankusa Abdogoma Kebele.
Our community engagement activities such as trench excavation and construction work continued. We know from past experience that community participation is an effective way of ensuring that the people will be supportive of the project, understand its benefits and are committed to its sustainability.
Increased Knowledge, Skills and Awareness on Hygiene & Access to Improved and Basic Sanitation for 10,662 People
During the last six months, the building of two public toilets blocks and one ventilated toilet in Weynima Kebele were completed. We also built handwashing stations and a water tank. These amenities are expected to reach 1,300 community members
Data was collected from Health Extension Workers and supervisors to monitor and evaluate the impact of various Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions that had been delivered to the Mankusa Abdogoma community. After we collated the information we were delighted to identify that 4,500 people have been provided access to basic sanitation services and handwashing facilities, it also showed that 4,500 people have been reached with good hygiene behaviour information, such as handwashing practices.
Government Systems Improved and Accountabilities Enhanced
Members of the Kokeb Rural Water User Association (WUA) and Hiwot Water User Association (WUA) visited the Zalema Water User Association. This was an opportunity for them to observe best practice for sustained water supply management. Following the visit, Kokeb WUA was able to successfully raise membership payment from 100 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) to ETB 300. This will go towards ensuring that the WASH infrastructure is climate resistant, enabling the community to be resilient in the face of climate shocks. In addition, the Kokeb WUA have recruited two experts, one manager, one plumber and a new elected chairperson.
Climate resilience integrated into WASH systems
Ethiopia is a country vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Through Project Waterfall's funding, we have been able to deliver a four-day training course on climate resilient water safety planning. A total of 10 experts and managers in the district governments took part in the training and went on to develop a climate resilient safety plan. Through the plan we have been able to plan the water supply system, identify hazards, evaluate existing control measures, prepare a risk matrix, and develop and implement an improvement plan.
Next week in the final mini blog of the series we will look at the challenges that have been faced and what we are going to do next.
