OVERVIEW:
Our implementing partners are working with 75 of the poorest villages in southern Kalimantan to provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. In each village the idea is to undertake appropriate surveying before training and working with the villagers to build water tanks and toilets for between 15 to 20 families in the village. At the end of this time, the villagers have the skills and knowledge to finish building toilets and tanks for the remaining villagers, as well as to maintain those already built. Hygiene education is a key component to the project.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT:
With three villages already completed, our partners now have the experience and know-how to most effectively reach the remaining needy villages. We are impressed at how our partner is working with the local government – it is the government who has identified the neediest villages. Ultimately, the local government hopes to be able to take over the work itself.
This is our third year with this partner, and we are keen to support another two villages each year over three years with water and sanitation. We have been to see previous villages we have supported, and the results are transformational.
THE NEED:
The river is the main water source for these poor villagers. They use it for drinking washing, irrigation and as a toilet!! Sickness and infant mortality is high because of this. During the dry season the need is pronounced as the river flow is greatly reduced, thus increasing toxicity and reducing the availability of any sort of water!
The aim is to provide a toilet ($275) and water tank ($990 part share) for 20 families per village (15 families per village is the minimum for sustainability of results). It will cost $25,300 to complete each village at the preferred level of 20 families. This includes initial surveys and education and training.
LIFE CHANGE:
