Make a difference in Rattanakiri
Update:
The Danish Red Cross has recently released a report on the water project in Rattanakiri.
People in the highland province Rattanakiri in north-west of Cambodia have access to fewer health and general services than other groups throughout Cambodia. They suffer from a respiratory infections, diarrhoeal related diseases, and malaria – all diseases which are caused by lack of access to clean water, effective sanitation and poor hygiene.
With support from Nestlé The Red Cross will ensure that households have access to sufficient clean drinking water and water for domestic purposes. 7 protected ring wells will be constructed, ensuring all-year access for 175 households or approximately 875 people to sufficient clean drinking water within 500 meter from their home. Trained by the Red Cross families in the villages will be able to technically maintain the water points themselves. Families not able to collect clean water from a protected well since they might be living further away will receive a household water filter to support the use of safe water for drinking.
The 7 protected ring wells are - also called combined wells - are hand digged wells with cement rings, cover and hand pumps. This model is known in the province and can easily be maintained and spare parts for hand pumps are easily available. The community will contribute land, fencing and smaller amount of local construction material. ‘Water user groups’ around each water point and ‘water maintenance committees’ will be established – one per well with at least 50% women.
Health and hygiene knowledge is very low in the target villages, and for a positive acceptance, correct use of the wells and water, two WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) clubs with 10-15 people form the village will be established. Each club will meet once a month to learn and practice the importance of how and why to use clean drinking water, keep good personal and food hygiene and clean environment around the living area.
The wells will be build were the indigenous Tumpoun and Kroeung minorities live in 6 remote villages in Veun Sai districts in central/north part of Rattanakiri province.