FAQ
W2T FAQ’s: Water projects in rural Ethiopia
1. Why Ethiopia?
The need for clean, safe water in rural Ethiopia is vast. Only one in three people have access. Over 50% of the population is suffering from water borne diseases. One in ten children dies before the age of five. There are >4.8 million Lutherans in Ethiopia, the most dense Lutheran population in Africa.
2. What is the difference between hand-dug wells and spring protection schemes?
Hand-dug wells: Dug by hand, the maximum depth of a hand dug well is 50ft while the diameter can be up to 5ft. Once the groundwater is reached, the well is lined with concrete and sealed with a slab. A hand-pump is then installed to bring the water to the surface.
Spring protection schemes: A spring protection project involves capping a natural spring with concrete. Once the source is capped, water is transported through pipes to the nearest suitable distribution points (e.g. faucets). By sealing a spring, disease-causing pathogens are kept from entering the water.
3. Why hand-dug wells?
Hand-dug wells offer a cost-effective solution that can be implemented effectively, without the cost of expensive equipment.
4. Is there a lot of corruption in Ethiopia?
Through our partnering with A Glimmer of Hope, we have a secure channel of distribution that eliminates the possibility of any funds not reaching the programs they were intended for. Funds from the US are sent directly to A Glimmer of Hope’s office in Addis Ababa and, from there, they are distributed directly to the Ethiopian organizations it has handpicked as its partners. This innovative and secure channel of distribution also ensures that there is no involvement by any third parties or governmental organizations
5. What is the cost of a well?
The average cost of a hand dug well is $5000. This provides water for up to 500 people.
6. What is the breakdown of the $5000?
In addition to the cost of the parts for the well to be built, the $5000 covers the cost of the engineering team that assists in the implementation and management of the well construction, as well as the training on the maintenance of the well.
7. Who oversees operations on the ground?
A Glimmer of Hope’s country office is staffed by experienced Ethiopian professionals, working closely with its partners and monitoring the progress of their projects. Projects are funded on a quarterly basis and funding for the following quarter is only released if the goals from the prior quarter are achieved.
8. What is the average life span of a well?
15 – 20 years.
9. How do they remain sustainable?
At each water project, a six-member committee is appointed from the benefiting community and made responsible for the care and upkeep of the well. They are trained in maintenance and receive support from the implementing partners when needed. They are also responsible for collecting nominal fees from people collecting water from the project; that money is then used to cover maintenance costs. In a recent audit of all wells constructed through A Glimmer of Hope since 2001, 95% were found to be fully operational, which is significantly above the International Aid standard.
10. Who builds the wells?
Much of the unskilled labor is carried out on a volunteer basis by members of the benefiting community to keep costs down, while the engineering aspects of the projects are carried out by A Glimmer of Hope’s water partners. These partners include some of the best water development organizations in all of Africa including the Relief Society of Tigray (REST) which has more than 80 employees just in its Water Department.
11. What reporting is offered?
One of the main purposes served by A Glimmer of Hope’s country office in Addis Ababa is to provide detailed and timely progress reports on all projects funded by major contributors. These reports include detailed written accounts, photographs and in most cases, video.
12. How can I get involved?
Visit our website, at www.WaterToThrive.org. to learn of all the ways to get involved and the many programs available. Sign up to receive our newsletter. Support W2T through a donation. Spread awareness by sharing the messages of W2T. (Materials available on website.) Host a fundraising event. Volunteer. Pray for the project.
Contact us: Austin: Becky@watertothrive.org , Houston: Shelia@watertothrive.org , Dallas: Peg@watertothrive.org,
13. How can I donate?
Donations may be made payable to Water to Thrive, and mailed to: P.O. Box 26747, Austin, Texas, 78755.
- Online: Visit us at http://www.watertothrive.org/give.html
- Send us your donation in the mail: PO Box 26747, Austin, Texas 78755
- Through a W2T Representative: One of our team members would be happy to assist you – Austin: Becky@watertothrive.org. , Houston: Shelia@watertothrive.org , Dallas: Peg@watertothrive.org
14. How can I maximize my donation?
If your company offers an employee matching program, as a 501c3 organization, W2T qualifies for most gift matching programs.
15. Why don’t the people move closer to the water source?
Rainfall is different throughout the year, resulting in unpredictable water sources. Water is often collected from lowlands where the water collects. In addition, typically the place that the people live is where they feel they can best make a living.
16. Since the locals are being trained as part of the implementation process, why don’t they start building the wells themselves?
They lack the resources, both cost related and materials related. There are also logistical difficulties.
17. Why not drill with a rig instead of hand dug?
In cases where a hand dug well is a feasible option, this is the most manageable and cost effective solution. Drilling a well is more costly, as well as complex. It requires more money, resources, and skill. It is also logistically difficult to get the necessary equipment and materials to the site.
18. What are the criteria for choosing the location of the wells?
Several criteria are considered:
Initially we must have a dependable NGO that services the specific area in which we plan to implement. This ensures that we have a partner to implement and manage the project, as well as offer reporting. Secondly, community involvement is required. We must have a community that is willing to form a local water council to manage the water collection, and other responsibilities that come with the management and maintenance of the well. Thirdly, we look at the number of beneficiaries for the receiving community. And fourthly, A hydrologist must conduct testing to determine that there is a water source.
19. How safe are these wells – is the government going to attempt to take over the well? Are the wells protected, how safe are the wells?
The wells are protected by the local water councils that are formed in the benefitting community. The council manages the access and care of these water points. In terms of the government, they see this implementation model as an asset and are thankful for the assistance. The government does not have the resources to take these over.
20. What happens with my donation?
Once you make a contribution, we apply your donation to one of our projects that is in current need of funding. Once a project is fully funded, and the funds are released to our implementing partner, the initiation of implementation can begin. A hand dug well typically takes 3 – 6 months to complete. In addition, building takes place between the months of September and May. Ethiopia experiences a rainy season between June and August. Most all projects halt during the rainy season as it is logistically difficult to get to and from the water well sites, and can even be dangerous.
21. How long does it take to build the well?
A water well isusually completed within 12 months from the time it is sponsored.
22. Do the locals contribute to the building/implementation process?
Yes, the local community is involved in a few ways. They must contribute 5% of the total project cost (materials, labor). They must also form a local water council to manage access to water collection, as well as maintenance of the well.
23. How involved is the W2T staff in Ethiopia?
W2T staff members visit Ethiopia once or twice a year. During this time they celebrate with the communities in which water projects were implemented. They also visit sites for potential future projects. In addition, they work with other local organizations to determine additional water needs, potential well locations and proposals.
24. What is the Water to Thrive relationship to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans?
W2T received a grant in the Spring of 2008 for a pilot program. This grant covered the operating expenses of Water to Thrive for the 2008 pilot year.
25. How can I contact W2T?
Contact information can be found on our website, www.watertothrive.org. In addition, you may reach out to one of our representatives: Austin: Becky@watertothrive.org. , Houston: Shelia@watertothrive.org , Dallas: Peg@watertothrive.org
26. What is your religious affiliation?
We are a faith based organization. We have our roots in the Lutheran church, yet we work with all faiths.
27. Who is on our board of directors?
Our Board of Directors is: Dick Moeller, Ed Scharlau, Eric Schmidhauser, Jim Sorenson
28. Other than a hand dug well, what are other implementation methods do you use?
When a hand dug well is not the best solution, we also consider bore hole wells as well as spring protection systems.
