THE WATER CRISIS IN HAITI.
One-third of the nation lacked access to safe water before the January 22 earthquake. Now, the water situation is devastating. A study conducted by the World Health Organization found that infectious diarrhea caused by unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation was the second leading cause of death in Haiti, and the top cause for children under five years old. Access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation continues to be one of the greatest needs to prevent an epidemic of water-related deaths.
604,215 PEOPLE WERE DISPLACED FROM PORT-AU-PRINCE AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE.
Thousands fled Port-au-Prince, returning to childhood hometowns or seeking shelter with distant relatives. This influx of people has put a strain on the already limited community resources like clean water, food and shelter.
OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND.
charity: water has funded more than 2,300 projects worldwide through 22 local implementing partners. We look for a number of proficiecies, conduct multiple site visits, and typically fund organizations with a proven track record of 10+ years in water and sanitation. In Haiti, our local partners are no exception. Concern Worldwide and Partners In Health (PIH) both have more than twenty years experience working in the Central Plateau and the island of La Gonave. The organizations are largely managed by local Haitian staff who construct the projects, mobilize local communities and monitor the work being done.
A LARGE-SCALE WATER PROJECT IN HAITI.
Mountain springs are usually found in mountainous areas and are formed as aquifers break the earth’s surface. They can be excellent sources of drinking water, but if left unprotected, they are easily contaminated. When protecting a spring, a concrete spring box is built around the source, shielding it from parasites and debris.
After the spring is covered and protected, the water is piped to a holding tank which serves as a reservoir and filter - sand chambers inside make sure the water is crystal clean on the way out. Gravity then takes the safe water down the mountain to community tap stands below.
All eleven regions we’re planning to fund will receive comprehensive hygiene and sanitation education through the campaign. Each community has agreed to donate time and labor to construct the projects. To keep the water clean and improve hygiene, they’ll also build household latrines, biosand filters, laundry stations, handwashing faucets and animal troughs.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING BY VISITING: http://www.charitywater.org/unshaken/donate.php
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