Ethiopia Project Profile
Quick Facts
Capital city: Addis Ababa
Population: 96.6 million
Access to Improved Sanitation: Just 20 million
Key Information: Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that has not been colonized. However, ill political policy, civil unrest, war, and a poor climate have lead to dire circumstances. Much of WTW’s work is done in areas where severe drought has created an overwhelming need for access to water. A robust drilling machine is a must in order to reach the water table.
WTW’s Impact: Over 25,000 people have been reached with clean water.
Water Solutions Used: Well Drilling and Well Repair
Background
More than 50% of Ethiopia’s population lack access to safe drinking water, and a mere 21% have access to proper sanitation services. In rural parts of the country, women and children walk over 6 hours a day to collect water from shallow, contaminated ponds that are often shared with animals. In the past 2o years, droughts have heavily impacted several areas of the Ethiopia, leading to a severe lack of access to clean drinking water.
Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country, and the second largest in population. It’s never been colonized, and serves as a symbol of independence throughout Africa. Drought, war, and ill-conceived political policies have all led to severe devastation throughout Ethiopia’s history. Due to the droughts that have occurred in recent years, water access is extremely limited. Surface water such as ponds and springs dry up, leading to the few remaining water sources becoming heavily contaminated and impure. This lack of clean water and consumption of contaminated water is a direct cause of diarrhea, numerous water-related diseases, and is the leading cause of death among children in Ethiopia.
Wine to Water’s Impact
Over 25,000 people have directly benefitted from Wine To Water projects in Ethiopia. The majority of projects completed involve deep well drilling in very rural areas of Ethiopia and hand pump repairs.
Water Solutions Used:
- Well Drilling: Until 2010, our projects involved manually drilling wells in areas with a higher water table and softer soil. This method left many areas unreachable. In 2010, Wine To Water purchased a more capable drill rig, the Pat Drill 401-T. This drill is based in Southern Ethiopia, where the majority of Ethiopia’s population lives. In addition to each well, Wine To Water establishes a water committee within community who are responsible for maintaining and taking care of the well. Training in sanitation and hygiene is also provided to the community.
2. Well Repair: Wine To Water also focuses on hand pump repairs wherever possible. This is a cost efficient way to provide water to those in most need.
