Rebirth of a project

He continues: “And as for those who were unable to pay for water trucks – women and children are the ones who had to travel long distances to fetch water from distant sources, carrying the water bottles above their heads and on the backs of donkeys. This water could even be contaminated, causing diarrhoea and diseases.

“We used to spend a lot of money repairing and maintaining the pump repeatedly, until we reached the point where it was no longer worthwhile to maintain it. The diesel spending was increasing year after year, and the project was not making any income, which ultimately led to bankruptcy. We were living in a state of frustration and insecurity.”

Thankfully for Al-Wajd Water Scheme Project and the communities it serves, CARE intervened with its H2O project funded by the US Agency for International Development. The H2O project is focusing on the most vulnerable internally displaced and host community households in nine districts of Sana’a and Taiz governorates. CARE was able to supply and install a new pumping unit, and replace the old one, which saved the project from collapsing.

“The difference between our previous situation and now is clear and significant,” says Ghamdan. “The new pump avoided the amounts that were spent in maintenance. I’m thrilled that the total income of the project reached 300,000 Yemeni Riyals per month.”

“This intervention offers security and the continuation of the project. It seems it has been reborn again, and today it works constantly – helping to bring clean water to those who need it so much.”