It has been said that the next wars will be fought over water, due to increasing competition for dwindling water resources
The Need
Providing clean drinking water by installation of hand pumps is seen as essential for survival in rural areas of India, where the Foundation operates. This project aligns well with our goals of assisting to reduce rural poverty and improve the health of the rural populace.
Women play a huge role in water management. Not only do they fetch the majority of water for household use but they make the decisions on how this water should be utilised. However, up to now they have rarely been involved in the planning and management of the local water and sanitation systems. For this programme we ensure their input is integral.
How it works
The Foundation is working in partnership with the FORD Trust and local Panchayats (Village Councils) across rural hamlets in Southern India. With our partners we identify areas that lack adequate year-round access to safe clean drinking water. Our partners will provide key technical expertise to locate the best sites, supervise construction, certify the water as satisfactory for drinking purposes, and provide on-going related support.
After extensive consultation, we then work to a strict schedule to determine the priority areas, once a location for the bore well has been agreed and sourced. A Contractor and his survey team determines the likely soil depth at which water will be struck, the soil profile, and the likely water output. This team will survey common land around a designated area to select the best location for the bore well and to ensure maximum access for all intended beneficiaries.
Sustainable Development
The rural water supply represents an effective model of sustainable development, between the Foundation and its partners, identifying groups of villagers who desperately are in need of clean water supplies. These villagers then take ownership of and maintain the completed hand pumps. In parallel to this the Foundation also allocates a training budget to educate the beneficiary community on how to maintain their new water source and organising public health campaigns, emphasising the need for basic hygiene and sanitation.
Furthermore, Health Care Workers from the district will provide information on the safe use of water, the need to avoid water stagnation around the pump and the importance of hygiene in its vicinity. Collective these measures will drastically improve the long-term effectiveness of the bore well.
The Benefits
- To date over 30,000 villagers have benefitted from the installation of one of our bore wells
- Supplying safe, dependable water close to their doorsteps
- Reducing the drudgery of hauling water from open wells and rivers
- Slashed the time formerly needed to fetch daily water supplies for households
- Allows greater time for productive activities such as earning an income or quality family time etc.
- Dramatic reduction in water-related diseases once the pumps go into operation.
- Simple technology means that the pumps can be easily operated and maintained by the local villagers.
