What does water mean to you?
Remote communities share experiences after receiving clean and safe water
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When UNICEF upgraded low yield water systems in the remote villages of Gorora and Tokar, Red Sea state, communities were relieved. For the girls and women who often bear the responsibility of fetching water, a burden was lifted. The distances to and from the new water points are now shorter. Yet the containers fill so fast, and the mothers, children and caregivers can go about other activities of the day.
The clean and safe water flowing from the pipes of the refurbished water facilities made possible with funding from United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF), has improved the well-being of the communities who previously trekked long distances, endured long queues and struggled for the limited water. When asked what clean and safe water meant to them, this is what some had to say.
IN GORORA LOCALITY
“Water is a beneficial to us, so we drink it, wash with it, and use it to cook food,” Abdalrahman Mohammed Ibrahim, 12 years.
“Water is everything in life. Actually, water is life, without water, we have no life,” 21-year-old Nagat Ahmed.
“In the past we struggled to get water. Today we have it in plenty, and the water system is always open. Water is the life of man and our life is in the water,” Khadega Omer, a mother of five.
“Water is a source of life that we drink from and wash with. Of course, water is a public interest, and it is the lifeblood. This means that if there is no water, there will be no life, and during the summer there is a shortage of water and we demand more,” said 63-year-old Mahmuo Idres Ali.
He requested the state for additional water stations since the new system serves a very large area covering the villages of Aleid , Shapri, Halfa A , Halfa B , Rakab , Gorora east , Gorora west , Gorora Mauntin , Alendeba east , Alendeba west. “It is generally a large area.”
“I like this water. We drink it alot,” Hassan Hamed Salih, 9 years.
“Water is important to us. We use it before prayer, cook with it, and drink it. Without water, we have nothing,” said Fatima Salih Mohammed.
“Water is health. When we drink clean water, we are healthy,” Taher Salih.
IN TOKAR LOCALITY
To the young girls at the water facility in Ashat village, Tokar locality, this clean water means happiness. The water facility that is open all day serves about 350 households. Before the new water facility, the children and their families crossed a valley to collect water from a handpump located 4 kms away. Water is now closer and easier for them to access.
“With this new facility, all we need is to turn on the tap and the water will flow,” Adallah.
“When I come to collect water here, I first quench my thirst especially when it’s too hot,” Monsour.
The water facilities in both locations are protected to ensure they last longer as they continue to provide safe and clean water for these hard-to-reach localities.
