Rehabilitation Project
This project was implemented by another partner, but is now monitored and maintained by The Water Project together with Mariatu's Hope.
A Sierra Leone team member commented, "The community people were so glad to get clean water. They were dancing after the dedication." When the team arrived, community members were utilizing a river located two kilometers away from the community to meet all of their water needs. Because of the community’s dependence on this contaminated water source, families were suffering from dysentery, malaria, diarrhea and severe dehydration. Most community members earn a living by processing and making local salt, trading and gardening. The nearest school is located one kilometer away from the community whose students, teachers and administrative personnel all have access to the new, safe water source. Before leaving the community, the community established a water committee who is responsible for helping maintain the well and who will collect $0.01 per five gallons of water per family for a well maintenance fee.
The Sierra Leone team had an opportunity to meet with forty-seven year old community member and farmer and salt processor, Samatu Kamara, who stated, "The distance is so long and the water is not protected and not pure. There is no water around in the dry season. We really have suffered. With the new pump we will get pure, clear water and even our children will never suffer again."
There were more than 60 community members and 31 children who attended this hygiene training. The community was so cooperative. They really impressed the hygiene trainers with the way they participated. They were very thankful for this training. During the hygiene education, the team addressed: Disease transmission, germs, hand washing, proper water saving techniques, how to take proper care of the pump, how to keep the water clean, good and bad hygiene behaviors and disease transmission stories.
