In Zimbabwe’s Chivi District, poor sanitation and unsafe water sources were adding to the risks and burdens faced by vulnerable people, such as orphans, the elderly and those living with HIV and AIDS.
A World Vision water, sanitation and hygiene project has helped to improve the health of 2,500 of these vulnerable families and provide ongoing benefits for the rest of the community.
As a result of the project:
- 426 toilets were built;
- 24 boreholes were rehabilitated;
- 24 hand pumps were repaired;
- 157 deep wells were rehabilitated; and
- a piped water scheme was constructed.
Importantly, community members were also trained how to repair and maintain the facilities, so that the improvements will last.
The community was actively involved in building and improving facilities and they are now much more aware of the importance of clean water and sanitation for good health. They also developed a strong partnership with the local government, which provided them with guidance and technical expertise.
To raise awareness of good health and hygiene practices, World Vision held information sessions in schools and at community meetings. Cases of diseases such as cholera have dropped dramatically and people are improving their hygiene practices.
As well as gaining health benefits, people are also glad that they no longer have to walk such long distances to collect water.