(Left) Contaminated water canal used by villagers for drinking water in the past (Right) Community tap now used by villagers for clean drinking water

 

USAID’s Safe WASH II Activity has helped numerous communities create Safer conditions for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. Ranchani, a community in Ward 8 of Malikaarjun Rural Municipality, Darchula District had depended on a narrow, open, and unsafe water canal to fulfill their basic water needs. While the community was unaware of the importance of Safe drinking water and the different methods of water purification, its continuous use of contaminated water led to constantly re-occurring waterborne diseases and even child mortality. Safe WASH II raised awareness of the links between unsafe water, poor health, and the tragic loss of community members. They assisted the community to build household toilets and contributed to Darchula’s successful achievement of Open Defecation Free status. They also provided 25 households with Safe and clean water through the Ranchani Drinking Water Supply Scheme. With water more readily available, the families of Ranchani have adopted good handwashing practices. Safe WASH II helped Ranchani to fulfill its drinking water, sanitation and hygiene needs.