Become A Volunteer Contact Us

IMERINTSIATOSIKA CITY WATER PROJECT

July 23, 2024 by None

Horizons of Light Inc. is undertaking a city water project in Imerintsiatosika, a lively town just a 45-minute drive from the capital of Madagascar. As of 2023, only 7 out of the 36 fokontany (neighborhoods) in the town have partial access to clean water. The current system only provides to around 6000 individuals. Our goal is to provide clean drinking water to around 36,000 people in 9 fokontany. Taking into consideration the population growth by 2040, this project is engineered to supply clean water for a population of 50,000. Access to clean water will also invite industry and enhance economic growth.

Hundreds of buckets and people lined up with the hope to fetch water for the day. According to UNICEF, 4 out of 5 Malagasy people drink water contaminated with E. coli, and access to safe drinking water has been decreasing in recent years. Lack of access to water and poor hygiene practices can pose a serious health risk, especially for children.

Sustainability plan

Issues

  • The current water tower is only filled halfway before it gets used
  • Infrastructure is run down, poorly installed, and is only meant for 6000 people
  • Water runs only from 8am-10am
  • Wells are dangerously deep and contaminated
  • The city does not have the capability to upgrade the system
  • People start lining up their buckets by 3am with the hope to get served before water runs out
  • Current well will be taken over by the government for a different project
  • Public schools and official building have no access to water
  • The nearest best spring water can only produce 100m3/day while the daily production need is 1400m3.

Solution

  • Restore current water tower to full operation.
  • Build two additional water towers.
  • Access underground aquifers capable of providing adequate water for the whole city, including population growth over 15 years.
  • Increase water production by drilling 9 wells to meet the water need of the town.
  • Run water lines to administrative building and public school.
  • Run water lines to all 7 fokontany (neighborhoods) that are active all day, every day.
  • Build 156 new water fountains.
  • Increase the number of connected households from 400 to a 1000 the first year
  • Change meter locations to prevent theft
  • Hold capacity building sessions annually for all team members

Goal

  • Participate quarterly in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives to educate the population because we know safe water keeps children and families alive.
  • Decrease the number of infections of water borne diseases such E-coli and warms.
  • Participate in annual reforestation.
  • Create more jobs in the city
  • Provide clean and drinkable running water to the majority of the 7-9 fokontany (neighborhoods).