From June 2023 to August 2023, MSD United Way Vietnam implemented the "Water Ambassador" program to upgrade and repair the gravity-fed domestic water supply system for the local residents. After three months of execution, the project was completed and put into operation, providing clean water to 106 households, including 49 impoverished households (46.2%) and 25 near-poverty households (23.5%).
I. General information
1. Implementation Context:
Chieng Cang Hamlet is one of the impoverished hamlets in Muong Chieng Commune, Da Bac District. The hamlet consists of 106 households, including 49 impoverished households (46.2%) and 25 near-poverty households (23.5%). The primary livelihood of the residents is a combination of agriculture and forestry, mainly cultivating corn and rice, making access to clean water even more essential. However, the domestic water supply system in Chieng Cang Hamlet has severely deteriorated since 2017. The water tanks and pipelines are no longer functional, forcing residents to collect water from upstream sources using basins and buckets for daily use.
The domestic water system for the residents was originally built in 2008 under Program 135 as a gravity-fed water supply project. The system included a 4m³ upstream water filtration tank, a 5m³ upstream water storage tank, an 8m³ residential water storage tank, and a 2,600-meter pipeline delivering water from the source to the residential area. However, after years of use, the system has deteriorated, with leaking water tanks and damaged pipelines, resulting in an insufficient water supply for the residents. Many households in the hamlet have had to find their own water sources, facing significant challenges in accessing clean water and often relying on unsanitary water sources for daily use.
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To access water for daily use, families must walk 2 to 3 kilometers along mountainous paths to carry water from nearby streams. During the dry season, residents have to ration each bucket of water they manage to bring home. However, this water source poses significant health risks. Due to the hamlet's proximity to limestone areas and industrial zones, the water is often contaminated, which can be harmful if consumed over a long period. As a result, residents of Chieng Cang Hamlet have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, jaundice, eye infections, and other health issues compared to the local average.
Recognizing this situation, MSD United Way Vietnam, in collaboration with its partners, launched the "Water Ambassador" program to support the residents of Chieng Cang Hamlet. The project aimed to upgrade and repair the gravity-fed domestic water supply system, ensuring access to clean water and improving living conditions for the local community.
2. Project implementation time: From June, 2023 - August, 2023
3. Method of project implementation:
– Entrusting the residents of Chieng Cang Hamlet with the implementation of the project under a community-managed model, allowing them to oversee the entire construction process.
– Local authorities at all levels and project staff from the RIC Center provide support in methods and technical expertise.
II. ACHIEVEMENTS:
After three months of implementation, the domestic water supply project for the residents of Chieng Cang Hamlet, Muong Chieng Commune, Da Bac District, Hoa Binh Province, has been completed and put into operation. The achieved results are as follows:
1) Regarding the scale of construction: Completed according to the original plan and commitment including:
– Repair and maintain 01 upstream water collection tank (2m long; 2.5m wide; 1m high);
– Build new upstream water filter tank (2m long, 1m wide, 2m high);
– Build new upstream water tank (2m long, 1.5m wide, 2m high);
– Install a 700m long water pipeline from the water intake tank to the upstream water distribution tank using Tien Phong HDPE plastic pipe, diameter 50.
The water project has been completed and put into use.
2) About the beneficiary:
Upon completion, the project successfully provided a sufficient water supply as initially planned, benefiting 106 households with a total of 424 residents, including 215 women, 138 children, 49 impoverished households (46.2%), and 25 near-poverty households (23.5%).
People's access to clean water improved after the project was completed.
3) About management:
In collaboration with the People's Committee of Muong Chieng Commune, discussions were held, and an agreement was reached with the Chieng Cang community group to establish a management and operation team for the water supply system. This team consists of six members (three men and three women) responsible for overseeing and maintaining the system. This initiative ensures effective post-investment management and enhances the project's long-term sustainability.