Safe Access to Water and Sanitation for Refugees

finished

Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa and is currently facing a multitude of complex humanitarian challenges in different regions. The Oromia region, in particular Borena, which is located in the very south of Ethiopia, is repeatedly affected by ethnic conflicts and natural disasters such as drought, floods and crop failures. These continuing conflicts and extreme weather conditions have not only destroyed the livelihoods of the population, but have also led to massive displacement within the region, as civilians are forced to leave their home village and community. Access to water is severely restricted in both refugee camps, in Dillo Magala and Dire Megado, as water resources are often exhausted, and many water facilities are either not functional or in need of renovation. Also, too few sanitary facilities are available. According to a recent study, only 17 % in Dire Megado Camp and 30 % in Dillo Magala Camp have access to a functioning latrine. The overcrowded living conditions of local communities and refugees with shared and substandard WASH (WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera.

This emergency aid project aims to improve the water supply and hygiene situation for refugees in the Dillo Magala and Dire Megado camps and the neighbouring population, and thus prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera.

The project includes activities in two key areas:

Maintenance of water systems: A comprehensive inventory of the current water supply is being conducted, with the aim of ensuring long-term functionality. The following measures are being put through:

• Replacement of brittle pipes
• Installation of a solar system in Dillo to operate an electric water pump
• Setting up water user associations that are trained in the maintenance of the water systems
• Introduction of a tariff system to ensure long-term financing of maintenance
• Regular monitoring of water quality to ensure that the drinking water is not contaminated

Raising awareness of hygiene practices: To improve the hygiene situation, sanitary facilities for 600 people are being built in Dillo and Dire Megado. In addition, 20 community members and seven government representatives are being trained as hygiene experts, who are organising hygiene campaigns for a total of 13,584 people