Ethiopia Project
Location: Ankober, Ethiopia
Method: Pipeline
Completed Date: May 2023
At WIHA, our mission is to bring positive change to communities in need, starting with Ankober, Ethiopia. Ankober is a town renowned for its coffee production and historical landmarks, including Emperor Haile Selassie's former palace. However, behind its cultural richness lies a pressing water crisis that affects the daily lives of its residents.
The water scarcity in Ankober has severe consequences, with millions of people lacking access to safe and clean water. This dire situation has a detrimental impact on health, hygiene, and overall well-being. In May 2023, WIHA completed a comprehensive water initiative in an Ankober village of Aliyou Amiba.
Water Project: Aliyou Amiba
Ankober, Ethiopia
Our Approach
In order to ensure sustainability and suitability of our water projects, WIHA collaborates with local
partners to fund water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in rural communities worldwide. In Ankober WIHA collaborated closely with the Ankober Woreda Water and Energy Resources
Development Department to develop a strategic plan. The project needs were voiced by the people within the community and designed by the local government. WIHA thoroughly reviewed and assessed the feasibility and stewardship of the proposed project before funding for implementation.
Implementation - Success!
Our team, together with local engineers, worked diligently to build a water project that adhered to local rules and regulations. We constructed a pipeline system that would bring clean and safe water to the village. Additionally, a 10 cubic meter water storage tank was installed, ensuring a consistent supply of treated water. Through our collaborative efforts and community involvement, we successfully provided clean water to approximately 2,000 people in Aliyou Amiba, significantly improving their quality of life.
Sustainable Water Projects
In Aliyou Amiba, our first initiative, we conducted a thorough assessment of the water situation. The primary source of water for the village was unprotected springs, ponds, and rivers located 2.5 kilometers away. This posed significant health risks, as the water was unsafe for consumption and daily use. Recognizing the urgency, WIHA collaborated closely with the Ankober Woreda Water and Energy Resources Development Department to develop a strategic plan.
Challenges to Scale Up
WIHA had planned to extend its work from Aliyou Amiba to neighboring villages in the Ankober region. However, the current political unrest in Ethiopia has impeded our progress. WIHA acknowledges the likelihood of such challenges in our projects and, therefore, diversifies in terms of geography, approaches, and partnerships.