2003 Progress Report
During the three-year period (2001-2003), we have assisted 38 villages with a total of 810 households and population of 6,183 with the construction of new water systems. We also provided a generous 385 taps, which averages to about one tap for every two households to facilitate easier access to water. In order to bring the water into these villages 80,670 meters of polyethylene pipes were required. The sanitation activity was not affected by the budgetary shortfall and during the three-year period we have assisted more than 600 households with the construction of permanent latrines. However, that still leaves a huge backlog of requests for assistance with sanitation. During the three-year duration of the program, have received a total of 1,246 requests for assistance with sanitation thus leaving more than 600 latrines for implementation during the next phase of the program.
With financial assistance from the Martin Family Foundation, we have been able to assist five more Village Development Committees with the construction of wire bridges. During the rainy season, the rivers in the valleys cannot be forded, thus making communication and transportation difficult if not impossible. These bridges are a low cost alternative to suspension bridges and have a load capacity of 350 kilograms.
In July 1993 the southern Mahabharat was devastated by massive floods and landslides. It was nine years to the day when heavy monsoon rains in July 2002 triggered monstrous floods in the valleys and massive landslides in the hills causing major devastation. Many villagers lost their homes as well as their fields, their only source of livelihood. Many sections of foot trails, which are the only means of communication and transportation within the roadless region, have also been badly damaged. We have also provided emergency assistance to the worst affected families.
Michael R. Rojik, Executive Director
Go to next page How you can help