Water For Bossier
- Christine
- Jan 16, 2020
- 3 min read
Science has shown that most people cannot go 4 days without water. After this, dehydration sets in, followed by shock and a vegetative state. Without water, people cannot survive.[1] Yet, the World Bank Group reports access to improved drinking water sources in Haiti has declined over the 25-year span, from 1990 to 2015. Particularly affected have been the rural poor. Access for the bottom 40 quintile of rural populations decreased during this time frame from 41 to 37 percent. “In rural areas, access to improved water is decreasing in relative and absolute terms, despite the sharp reduction of the rural population size. This suggests the collapse of rural water infrastructure.”[2]
A visit to the WHO/UNICEF JMP Data website[3] shows us that in 2017, less than 50% of Haitians living in rural areas had access to at least basic water services. “At least basic” is defined as traveling to, waiting for, and returning with water fit to drink in less than 30 minutes. Limited service, defined as longer than 30 minutes, is available to less than 13% of rural Haitians. Almost 45% of rural Haitians have access only to unimproved water sources. Conversely, urban areas, while also struggling, show almost 85% having access to the basic level of water service at the minimum.
While efforts continue, the rural areas are frequently the last to benefit. Bossier is no different. At one time, a well located in a nearby village was able to supply water to the residents, but that resource has become unavailable. Water from this resource no longer comes as far as the tiyos (public water faucets located in the community) in or near Bossier. Families who are able, may walk to a nearby town and purchase drinking water, but even the small fee associated is out of reach for many. Rainwater is often captured and used for bathing, but one must own or purchase a large receptacle in which to catch the rain.
Through the efforts of a group of graduates of The Soleil Foundation School, community needs and priorities were identified and presented to The Soleil Foundation. Clean drinking water was prioritized as the number one need. Following the 2010 earthquake, the Red Cross provided public tiyos for the community, running pipe from Buteau to Bossier. The incident of childhood illness dramatically decreased. Residents have participated in several community development projects, including road clearing, and the clean-up of the beach front adjacent to Bossier’s own beachfront park, created by The Soleil Foundation. In addition to the concession stand located at the Soleil Foundation Park, additional temporary shelters have been made available to those families in extreme need. These structures also serve the community as storm shelters, rated as hurricane and earthquake resistant. Continuing education has encompassed Certified Emergency Response Training (CERT), organized by The Soleil Foundation. Haiti Inspires Inc. has been able to provide scholarships at the professional school in Leogane for two students to attend computer training, and another to attend English class. Efforts continue as this village of approximately 2000 people endeavor to develop and improve their world for themselves and for their children.
Our plans include even more community development and additional scholarships. We are very excited at the opportunities ahead for Bossier. Unfortunately, many of these goals are hindered due to lack of one of the most basic needs… clean drinking water. Paul Cormier and his in-country director, Sorel Damour, have researched options available to the village. We have determined an artesian well to be the best choice for Bossier. An artesian well, fed from the mountain range east of Bossier, will provide its own water pressure, negating the need for a pump. The recommendation is for three wells evenly spaced throughout the village, to serve the tiyos presently in place. Quotes have been obtained, and a budget for each well is estimated at $15,000. With access clean drinking water, Bossier can continue forward, improving their lives, their community, and neighboring communities.
[1] www.aidforum.org/topics/health-and-wash/5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-clean-drinking-water/
[2] World Bank 2017. Looking Beyond Government-Led Delivery of Water Supply and Sanitation Services: The Market Choices and Practices of Haiti’s Most Vulnerable People. WASH Poverty Diagnostic. World Bank, Washington, DC.
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