OUR WORK
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. To address this pressing issue, WIHA has embarked on a comprehensive water initiative in Ankober, beginning with two villages: Aliyou Amiba and Derfo
Water Project: Aliyou Amiba
Ankober, Ethiopia
How We Work
We collaborate with local partners to fund water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in rural communities worldwide. From construction to long-term sustainability, we prioritize monitoring, evaluation, and maintenance. Our selection process involves careful consideration of factors like community location, needs assessments, engagement levels, existing organizations, and access to spare parts or repair services. Through close collaboration with local governments, we annually identify target communities for our projects.
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.
Current Water Project
Currently, we are actively working on our next water project in Derfo, Ankober, employing the same proven methods of pipeline construction and water purification. By leveraging our experience and lessons learned from Aliyou Amiba, we aim to bring sustainable access to clean water to even more individuals in need.