The Grarbet Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Services project was designed to supply potable water to villagers in selected woredas (districts) through the development of 20 hand-dug wells with Afridev hand pumps.
Ethiopia’s Human Development Index Ranking shows that it is one of the least developed countries in the world. Rapid population growth, poor economic performance, and low income and education levels have impacted health status in particular. Only 61% of the population has access to safe water and just 52% have access to sanitation facilities (MOWE World Water Day Report 2011). Water quality is another major problem, as is high fluoride levels in groundwater.
This project took place in the Rift Valley region, where fluoride levels in groundwater are high. Approximately 7.5 million Ethiopians in the Rift Valley area suffer from problems related to high fluoride levels. Nearly 80% of children are affected by dental fluorosis. Moreover, many suffer from debilitating skeletal problems later in life. (UNICEF, 2008)
Results
Safe Water Supply
- 20 hand-dug wells and Afridev hand pumps installed and functional
- 9,962 total water beneficiaries, including students, have access to safe water
- 20 WASH committees established in the 20 targeted villages
- 140 WASH-trained committee members, including water caretakers
Sanitation and Hygiene
- 1,536 households encouraged to construct/upgrade traditional pit latrines
- About 30% of households received health education