As part of a close cooperation between Austrian Doctors and Menschen für Menschen , we are working together to sustainably improve the lives of people in Busa, a rural region around 2-3 hours from Addis Ababa. Our joint water project aims to ensure access to clean water for the population and thus promote the health and quality of life of the local people.
The water project – a joint initiative
The water project in Busa is a joint project of Austrian Doctors and Menschen für Menschen. We are committed to securing the water supply for the current 30,000 inhabitants of Busa. Two new boreholes have already been successfully completed, which are over 200 meters deep. These new wells guarantee a stable supply, the pumps are connected to the electricity grid and are powered by a diesel generator in the event of a failure.
As a cooperation partner, we at Austrian Doctors contribute our expertise in health and development work to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is implemented efficiently. The support of people for people, who have extensive experience in the implementation of large development projects, is invaluable.
Participation of the municipality
A key component of our project is the active involvement of the local population. The people in Busa help with the excavation work for the water pipes and take responsibility for future maintenance. Around 1,200 households will be given the opportunity to have their own water connection, while 14 public water points will be available to the general public.
At Austrian Doctors, we are committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their social or economic background, have access to clean water. Community participation not only strengthens cohesion, but also encourages people to take responsibility for the sustainable use of water infrastructure.
Management and long-term sustainability
The long-term success of the project is ensured by a local volunteer board made up of elected members of the community and local institutions. Together with Menschen für Menschen, we have created structures to ensure that the water systems are maintained and serviced in the future. The income from the water charges – around 0.4 to 0.5 Birr per canister at public points – is used to cover maintenance costs and to pay for security.
These sustainable administrative structures are crucial to improving the quality of life in the region in the long term. At Austrian Doctors, we know that long-term improvements are only possible if the local population is actively involved in the management and maintenance of the projects.
Additional facilities and hygiene measures
In addition to the water points, the project also includes the construction of two shower houses, one at a school and one for the public. These shower houses are an important addition, especially for the women of the community, who in many cases bear the main burden of providing water and hygiene for the family. These additional facilities not only improve the quality of life, but also promote public health.
Cooperation for sustainable development
The water project in Busa is a perfect example of the successful cooperation between Austrian Doctors and Menschen für Menschen. Both organizations bring their strengths to the table – Austrian Doctors with our expertise in the field of health and Menschen für Menschen with their experience in implementing large infrastructure projects. Together, we are ensuring that this project not only provides short-term aid, but that the Busa region receives long-term care.
Conclusion
The water project in Busa is an important joint project between Austrian Doctors and Menschen für Menschen, which aims to ensure access to clean water for tens of thousands of people. Through our close cooperation and the involvement of the local population, we are creating sustainable structures that will benefit the region in the long term. We are fully committed to making this project a success and positively changing the lives of the people of Busa for many years to come.
