OVERVIEW
This project builds on an Entrust-supported project in 2017 which funded six new water sources on Idjwi island in Lake Kivu in eastern DRC. Focusing on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training together with a clean water source, this project will provide clean water for a further nine communities in south Idjwi directly assisting 45,000 people, including the very disadvantaged pygmy communities.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT IT
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 nine neediest villages where disease levels are the highest. The local communities contribute resources and labour towards the project, giving them a strong sense of ownership.
BUDGET
Funds will be used towards material for the water sources and conducting the training. Each village will contribute towards the cost of the water source by providing stones and sand and helping construct the water source.
THE NEED
DRC has high rates of poverty and limited infrastructure after decades of civil unrest. Idjwi exemplifies this. It is still highly unstable with postponed elections contributing to the unrest. It has the largest number of internally displaced people in the world. Most economic activity is in the informal space and subsistence agriculture provides most food. Transport and communications are limited on the island. After malaria, diseases related to drinking unclean water are the biggest health problem on the island.
LIFE CHANGE
