HOPE InternationalDevelopment Agency

Published purpose

The objective of this project is to improve the general health of the populations of the Bonke district, in Ethiopia, benefitting 11,000 people (46% of the beneficiaries are under 14 years of age), through sustainable supply of potable water. It also aims to create effective local organizations that are able to sustain and manage local water systems, and to provide improved health and environmental sustainability through community education. The project is implemented in an area where only 14 percent of the population in Bonke district has access to potable water. HOPE International Development Agency and its local partner, HOPE Ethiopia, utilize and protect 10 naturally occurring springs, and provide a gravity-fed system which provides clean water to 18 villages. Basic education on environmental issues, environmentally friendly management practices, and the establishment of a tree nursery to promote tree-planting and improved watersheds contribute to the project's environmental sustainability. The project also promotes gender equality as a major theme throughout the activities. All project activities are undertaken in compliance with environmental protection regulations and guidelines stipulated by the Government of Ethiopia, and regional and local district and Water Bureau authorities. This project is part of a larger program led by HOPE aimed at providing potable water to rural Ethiopia. To ensure project sustainability, it is expected that HOPE Ethiopia runs this project and continues to support the targeted communities for at least five years after CIDA's funding ends.