Under this program, EAKBC-WDA trains and works with rural families to make and maintain their own, household water wells by hand, with local materials.
The boreholes are drilled by hand with locally-made tools by rural community groups at each of the houses of the group's members. These group members invest not only their own labor; they also provide the cement, sand and gravel for their own household wells. In this way, families don't need to walk to community wells or other access points, the community is mobilized and trained to do their own work, and they feel true ownership and take responsibility for their new homestead asset.
Community leaders are trained and contracted to lead the drilling, condition the wells, install the locally-made pumps, and train the well owners in maintenance.
Recently, EAKBC-WDA has begun adding related initiatives to this program, including, 1) the fabrication and use of motorized pumps on the household wells for dry season irrigation—food security and income generation, 2) the construction of latrine toilets and hand-washing stations, and 3) hygiene and sanitation training.
The drilling and pump technology utilized is developed by Water for All International of San Angelo, TX, USA; our WaSH and irrigation initiatives are funded by the same.
Current programs are in Dawo Woreda of South West Showa, Oromia, and Kambaata Zone of SNNPR.
