The slogan "Water is Life" describes the fact that water is basic
to survival. It goes without saying that mankind needs access to safe
and clean drinking water. In the rural areas of Ethiopia most people do
not get safe and clean water. People fetch water from very distant
places, taking them several hours. Even then, the water is not
dependable, for it is collected from unsafe and highly contaminated
traditional sources.
Traditionally, women and children are expected to fetch water. The
burden of carrying water from very far distances is only one problem
faced by women and children. Another problem is sexual harassment and
rape, which is also caused by walking long distances in remote areas
where no one could rescue them, if they were attacked. School going
girls are also hampered in their studies because they have to work,
travel long distances to fetch water, and suffer the risk of sexual
abuse.
Recognizing the urgent need of the people for safe and clean
drinking water, MCMDO is involved in rural water supply development
activities in such areas as Bulen woreda of Benshangul Gumuz, BOKE town
of Fedis Wereda, and East Hararghe zone of Oromiya Regional state. These
regions are selected because of their poor infrastructure compared to
most other Ethiopian regions in development focused services.
We work to improve access to safe and clean water for the community
through water installation for households, improved access to hygienic
services, and through construction of communal latrines with hand
washing and shower rooms.
We enhance the community's awareness on hygiene and sanitation
management and support existing government health centers with medical
equipment.