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, "There was a high level of participation from the community. They helped to do all the cement work."
When the team arrived, community members were utilizing a protected hand dug well located .3 of a kilometer away from the community to meet all of their water needs. Because of this, families were suffering from cholera, dysentery, malaria, diarrhea and severe dehydration. During the team's stay, community members assisted the team with the water project whenever possible and guarded the team’s equipment. Most residents sustain their families by farming or teaching at the nearby school. Before leaving the community, the team provided community member, Alimamy Obai, with a contact number in case their well were to fall into disrepair, become subject to vandalism or theft.
The Sierra Leone team had an opportunity to meet with thirty-five year old community member and petty trader, Zainab Bangura, who stated, "There was a pump at the hospital, but we had to restrict access to ten gallons per person in order to make sure the hospital had enough for us. The new pump is able to supply us with plenty of water and we aren't suffering anymore for water. The well will save many lives."
During the hygiene education, the Sierra Leone team addresses: Hand washing, how to properly transport and store water, disease transmission and prevention, how to maintain proper care of the pump, as well as signs and symptoms of dehydration and how to make Oral Rehydration Solution. All of these lessons are taught in a participatory method to help community members discover ways to improve their hygiene and sanitation choices, and implement community driven solutions.
