Healthy Drinking Water in Ngudwini

Clean and affordable water is important, esp. for women and children. They collect the water and children are more susceptible for diarrhea due to unsafe water. When aware of the risks and having access to safe drinking water, regularly tested and quality controlled, fewer people will fall sick. Women will save time and money otherwise spent for medical costs. This time and money can be used for other (economic) activities. Children will miss fewer days in school due to sickness.

Goals overview

To secure the people in Ngudwini with clean and sufficient drinking water and to regularly check the quality of the water. To train persons from the village in operating and maintaining the water purification system. CBO will educate the community on the importance of safe water, hygiene and sanitation. Together with the villagers 3 tap stations will be made. The people will be healthier and save time and money that they can use to improve their economic situation.

Current status

For safe water, 2800 villagers depend on the weekly 50 liters of water per family that is delivered by tankers when weather and road conditions allow. Distribution works on a ‘first come first serve’ basis and thus many families do not get their share of safe water and tensions between the people increase. Water is taken straight from the dam, which is used for laundry and by livestock. This water is not safe for human consumption. Most people are aware, but have no other choice.

Project plan

QuaWater was introduced to Ngudwini by CBO-Network. They will be the partner in the field and are the link with the villagers. For water purification, the QuaWater Village Solution will be installed close to the dam. From here clean water will be pumped to a storage tank and from there the distribution tanks will be filled.

Project implementation can start when 75% of the costs have been collected. The aim is to start this calendar year; first step will be to hold community meetings on the project and planning of health education on safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation. The installation and commissioning of the water purification part should be finalized within 2 months after start of the project. This includes testing the water produced on compliance with water quality standards as well as checking the knowledge of the water managers. Only when quality can be guaranteed will the responsibility be handed over to the community. When the unit has been run by the local water managers for 3 months the quality of the water being produced will again be checked and the managers assessed on their capacities to run and maintain the system. When all judged satisfactory the project assets and all responsibilities will be ceremonially handed over to the Chief and the community. CBO-Network, having people and office in the area will follow up the project closely and is approachable in case of problems. CBO-Network and QuaWater have regular contact by email and telephone. Water samples will be taken at least bi-annually and can either be couriered for testing or handed over to QuaWater, who –funds allowing- will biannually visit the site to test the water quality and management, and when so required can assist in servicing.

Expected outcomes

• 1 functioning QuaWater Village Solution, with 3 tap-stations
• Villagers receive training on water, hygiene and sanitation.
• Villagers contribute to distribution of water points.

The local community will be handed over the responsibility for running and maintaining the project and all its assets. Two to six water managers, put forward by the community will be extensively trained in the technical aspects and possible breakdowns. In earlier projects a local water-committee has been established and often women take a leading role in these. Such decision however is to be taken by the community itself.

After the hand-over, our CBO partner in the field will play an active role in supervision of the project and assist where needed. QuaWater offers a follow-up and support scheme for up to 5 years in order to regularly check the quality of the water being produced and to assist the managers in servicing the unit (when so required). The community has said and is in the position to participate in the running costs for the project. And, QuaWater’s local partner, CBO-Network will continue the discussion with the Uthungulu department on taking responsibility for the running costs.