I hadn't really understood before I came on this trip how much difference having safe water and sanitation makes to the individual, family and community. Not in terms of their health, that was clear and obvious to me, but in terms of their well being, happiness and ability to see a future.
When you are without water and sanitation you become a slave to it, it controls all aspects your life, especially if you are a female. Having to do multiple journeys every day, covering many miles carrying 20 to 30 kg of water each time can take several hours every day of the week. Getting up at 5am to walk a couple of miles to go to the toilet to avoid the embarrassment of being seen whilst been fearful for your own safety isn't anything I want to have to endure and nor do I want anyone else to have to either.
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| Open drains in Shiv Nagar slum |
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| Each pot holds about 15 litres so a double stack is about 30 kgs |
Taking away that burden has changed all the people and communities we have met this week for the better. They have been able to take back control of their lives, think about the future, invest time in their children, be more productive and most importantly have pride in themselves. The way WaterAid and the local organisations work is to educate the people and mobilise them. They work together to get a total and sustainable solution to their needs which the community contributes to and owns going forwards ... and they aren't stopping with just water, they are now seeking better roads, more schools and also sharing their experiences with other villages to help them do the same.
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| Hand washing at Padli School |
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| New latrine at Amrod village |
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