As the world continues to strive for a luxurious lifestyle, many in the world are still fighting for their basic human rights.
Living in woreda Hintalo Wejerat, Haregot Hailu is a 32-year-old mother of five who in the past walked for two hours to collect water from unsafe sources.
“Walking far to collect unsafe water, affected our health situation, economic growth and social affairs…we used to suffer from water born diseases and waste much needed time as we queued to share the dirty water with animals,” says Haregot.
After the construction of a new water point in Haregot’s community- Dansa, Adine Melkam, she found much relief and a sense of hope as she was able to save adequate time an put it towards other income generating activities. “I started to go to the market with no worries of needed to rush in order to have enough time to collect unsafe water from far distances…. I can even send my children to school on time now”
Haregot is aware of COVID-19 through her development groups, health extension workers and concerned experts. “The newly constructed water point has a tremendous role in protecting individuals from COVID-19.” Being aware and proactive, Haregot arranged a local hand wash for her community to use and practice hygiene measures such as hand washing.
“If the water point wasn’t constructed, we would have been pushed into great danger,” added Haregot, now it only takes her 10 minutes to collect clean and safe water.