Background and Rationale

Access to reliable and safe water has been a long-standing challenge for Lencha Kebele and the local Health Center. Although water pipelines had been installed in the Health Center buildings more than ten years ago, the absence of a functional water source meant the system remained unused. This project addressed the gap by functionalizing an existing machine-drilled shallow well and installing the required infrastructure and renewable energy system to deliver safe water.

Project Components and Major Activities

The project delivered the following components:

• Construction of a masonry water tank seat (2.60 m × 2.60 m; 1.55 m height)
• Installation of a 10,000‑liter plastic water storage tank (provided by the Health Center) and connected at the water source
• Construction of a water distribution point with four faucets
• Installation of two additional water points, including one with two faucets within the Health Center compound
• Installation of a solar-powered pumping system: one 1.4 kW submersible pump, six 440W solar panels, and PN16 HDPE pipes (OD 1.5”) with fittings
• Installation of one one surface pump with 1HP capacity to activate existing internal pipelines in the Health Center buildings (Not initially in the plan, but added to maximize overall impact).

Key Achievements and Results

The project successfully transformed inactive water infrastructure into a functional system. For the first time since the establishment of the Lencha Health Center, clean water is now flowing through previously installed pipelines, improving service delivery and reducing the burden on community members, especially women and children.

Community Feedback

Community members expressed strong satisfaction and relief following the completion of the project, which addressed a long-standing challenge of accessing safe and reliable water. For many years, the community and the Health Center had water pipelines in place but no functional water supply.

The community was heard saying:

“ሌንጫ ቀበሌ አለፋላት የቧንቧ ውሃ ለማየት በቃች”
“After years of struggle, Lencha Kebele can now finally see and access piped water.”

This statement reflects the deep sense of relief and achievement felt across the community. The project has significantly reduced the burden on women and children, improved hygiene and health conditions, and strengthened service delivery at the Lencha Health Center. Access to clean water is now contributing to improved well-being, dignity, and resilience for the people of Lencha Kebele.

Project Beneficiaries

The project directly and indirectly benefits:

• More than 300 households (approximately 1,540 people) in Lencha Kebele
• Health Center patients (approximately 60 inpatients and outpatients per day)
• Pregnant women and mothers accessing delivery services
• Health Center staff (27 personnel)
• Travelers and community members accessing water on market days

Water Usage, Management, and Sustainability

The supplied water is primarily used for drinking and also supports household needs and personal hygiene. A Water Management Committee has been established to oversee daily operations, manage water distribution, and ensure basic maintenance of the system. This community-based management approach supports long-term sustainability and local ownership.

Expansion and Future Considerations

The community has expressed its commitment and plan to extend water supply services to the adjacent primary school. Although this expansion was not realized during the implementation period due to limited community contribution at the time, the community and stakeholders plan to mobilize resources and identify feasible options for future implementation.

Conclusion

The Lencha Kebele Pure Water Supply Project has made a meaningful contribution to improving access to safe water, strengthening health services, and enhancing community well-being. The project demonstrates the value of partnerships between donors, implementing organizations, and local communities in delivering sustainable development outcomes.

With your invaluable support, we have been able to embark on initiatives that align with our mission to make a positive difference in “Providing Aid for the Needy”

“O ALLAH! (GOD) CONTROLLER OF THE HEARTS, DIRECT OUR HEARTS TO YOUR OBEDIENCE”.