Water for Haiti!

The earthquake in Haiti not only killed hundreds and thousands of people, but also damaged the entire (already malfunctioning) public water supply system on the island. Wells, hand pumps and water well enclosures were destroyed almost everywhere. At the moment there is no water supply system providing for safe drinking water. Additionally, many of the wells in rural areas have been biologically contaminated by coliform bacteria and escherichia coli. Consequently, everyone has to buy clean water. 20 litres of drinking water, the minimum amount per family/day, cost around 1USD. An average family has a daily income of 3-5USD a day, consequently has to spend almost one quarter of their income on water.

Current status

This project focuses on the emergency relief aid in Petit Goave, but is a part of a larger development oriented emergency relief program in the regions of the epicentre. There have been dialogs with various local authorities and international NGOs and donors in order to continue and ensure an improvement of stable water supply and hygiene awareness.

The goal of the project is to provide emergency relief aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. arche noVa ensures water supply and sanitation for the people in and around Petit Goave. Our goal is to improve and stabilize the health status of the people by distributing safe water, sanitation facilities and by offering hygiene training.

Goals

• 2 water treatment plants with a daily supply for 4000 people
• 50 temporary sanitation facilities for 2000 people
• Training on water, sanitation and hygiene for 4000 people

The sanitation facilities will be constructed from possible sources of locally available materials.
Local staff will be trained in the construction of the sanitation facilities, which ensures that the expertise will stay with the local people. Additionally to the construction of the temporary sanitation facilities and the supply of safe drinking water, hygiene training will be offered to raise awareness for health care and hygiene related diseases. Since the current phase of the project is considered as emergency relief aid, arche noVa will continue its engagement in Haiti with the construction of stable and sustainable sanitation facilities and water supply systems.