Clean water

The Need

For most of us, accessing clean water has always been as simple as turning on a tap. But for many of the children Compassion serves in the Dominican Republic, this essential service is still out of reach. In fact, more than 1.5 million citizens of the Dominican Republic do not have piped water in their communities. This was the case in La Bombita, Villa Esperanza-Azua, where Compassion is partnering with the local church to provide holistic care to vulnerable children and families.

Without access to piped water, scarcity had driven up the cost of purchasing water far beyond what families living in poverty could afford. Without another option, they resorted to using water from contaminated pools and streams. This left children vulnerable to skin infections, gastroenteritis, chronic diarrhea and parasites. Frequent illnesses were causing children to miss out on school and activities at the Compassion centre, threatening their health, education and future.

Safe water impacts every aspect of a person’s life in a profound way. Without it, impoverished communities face major barriers to their development. The church in La Bombita, Villa Esperanza-Azua, knew that imminent action was needed to protect children and bring lasting change to this community.

Our Response

With your generous support, 342 Compassion-assisted children and their families now have access to clean water through a well and water purification facility. This is Compassion’s 17th WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) initiative in the Dominican Republic over the last five years.

After initial planning meetings between the church and the centre staff, the church officially started the intervention with a meeting attended by community authorities and the engineer who would oversee the construction work. The church began quoting for construction materials and found that the price had gone up since the initial quotes. From the beginning, safety had always been a priority and the foundations, columns and roofing of the water purification facility have been designed and built according to steel and concrete specifications. The overall design of the water treatment plant was also completed according to the specifications of the Ministry of Public Health.

At the time of our last report, the two-storey water purification facility had been built and a well and submersible pump had been installed. The first storey of the new facility includes a filling area, internal and external washing area, laboratory and a bottle reception and washing area where families can bring their water jugs to be filled. The second storey contains all water purification equipment with a reverse osmosis system, as well as a storage area. There is also a parking lot outside to ensure easy access for staff and families. The church chose a Christian company, H2O Ministry, to supply and install the water treatment system, as they have worked with other Compassion church partners in the Dominican Republic with extremely positive results.

After securing the appropriate government permits to operate the facility, the church purchased 500 bottles and 8,000 lids for water distribution, as well as salt, chlorine and detergents for cleaning. Safety equipment was purchased for personnel in charge of the plant, and the final label design was created. Each family received a five-gallon jug for water storage. Publicity of the Agua D’Vida water brand was made through meetings with Compassion centre families, social networks and by making announcements over loudspeakers to the surrounding community.

The church also worked with local health professionals to run informative hygiene and sanitation workshops. In total, three workshops were carried out, covering topics including the health impacts of using contaminated water, the correct use of purified water in food preparation and the safe handling and storage of water. To celebrate the official launch of the new facility, the church held a special dedication ceremony which was attended by children, their families and other community members. Despite increased costs for materials and delays in securing equipment, this intervention was completed only a little over budget and slightly beyond initial timelines.

Activities

Water purification facility: The new well and water treatment facility in La Bombita, Villa Esperanza-Azua, is complete. The facility is now fully operational and has the capacity to provide clean water for up to 5,000 people on a regular basis.

Dedication ceremony: To celebrate the official opening of the new facility, the church held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by representatives from Compassion Dominican Republic as well as members of the church and community.

Water jugs: Each Compassion-assisted family received a 5-gallon water storage jug for collecting water. Families were instructed on the proper handling and cleaning of the jugs.

Your Gift Provides...

• Purchase of land
• Facilities:
○ Well and submersible pump for underground water collection
○ Materials and labour
• Equipment:
○ Reverse osmosis system and training
• WASH plan implementation:
○ Obtainment of government approval (sanitary certificate)
○ Booklets and supplies
○ 310 five-gallon plastic water jugs
○ Training workshops for beneficiaries
○ Dedication ceremony
• Incidental expenses
• Monitoring and evaluation