In the best of times, residents of the southern Ethiopian village of Boji walk for miles to collect water from one of the notoriously contaminated reservoirs scattered around the region. Frequent droughts make even such poor water sources scarce, with devastating consequences for food production and health.
Boji village is the site of an earthen dam that has been idle for two years but, if repaired, has the potential to provide a year-around source of water for residents, agriculture, and livestock.
The cost the repairing Boji dam is estimated at $250,000 or about $80 for each person who will have access to the new water supply. GPA's goal is to raise the necessary funds for this effort over the next 6 months and begin construction immediately afterward. Together, we can profoundly and permanently improve the lives of three thousand people. Please make your donation today.
The best thing this project has going for it is total commitment from our partners in Boji village. Once the repairs are done, they have resolved to do the final surface preparation work. More important, to ensure the sustainability of the water supply, the residents have committed to fund ongoing maintenance by collecting water usage fees from each household.
The promise of the Boji dam is the same today as it was almost a decade ago when the project began - with the first seasonal rain that collects behind it, the bare struggle for survival will give way to new opportunities in every avenue of life.
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| The rock lined surface of the Boji Dam |
A safe, year-around water supply means less time spent wasted gathering water and suffering from waterborne disease.
The immediate effect on livestock and agricultural productivity will be profound.
For the first time, the children of Boji will have the time to attend school.
Women will have time to focus on bettering their household's lot instead of just staving off disaster.