The population of the Điền Quang commune in Bá Thước district has limited access to safe water. The problems are greatest in the villages where ethnic minority groups reside. They use a water source that got infected by the nearby cemetery, without using a filter. This leads to health risks such as diarrhea and eye infection. Prolonged use of this polluted water has serious health consequences. Children who drink milk mixed with this contaminated water or eat contaminated vegetables often suffer from anemia, or even suffocation.
Especially in the dry season, the local population, most of the time women, spends at least 20 minutes a day getting water. As a result, they cannot work, while the costs for water supplies are high. On average, the monthly costs for collecting water are around VND 310,000 [approx USD 13]. This is a considerable amount of money for a family in this neighborhood. Consequently, the people get stuck in poverty.
To help local communities solve this issue, the project is expected to:
- Set up an easily accessible and affordable water supply system
- Improve knowledge of the local population about of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Improve knowledge about domestic water treatment and safe storage (HWTS)
- Improve the health of the local population through access to clean drinking water
- Stimulate the local economy through the construction of the water supply system
Donor
Timeline
October 2019 - March 2021
Location
Bá Thước district (Thanh Hóa province)
Direct beneficiaries
1,356 children and 2,172 adults (87% of Điền Quang commune's total population, covering 714 households in 6 target villages)
Highlighted achievements
- Water, Sanitation and Environment Center of Thanh Hóa Province
- District and Commune People's Committees
- Village Development Board
