water is life

The United Nations (UN) World Water Report is published annually in March. Two sentences from the 2019 report reminded me of my travels with Viva con Agua. In addition, such reports always contain a number of numbers and data. They're hard to understand if you haven't experienced at least some of the situation on site. That's why I'll show you some impressions of the work of VcA together with Welthungerhilfe in Ethiopia, as I experienced it at the beginning of the year. But first the two sentences mentioned:

Over 2 billion live without safe drinking water, 844 million have to spend at least half an hour a day getting water or have no access at all.

Source: Ulla Burchardt, board member of the German UNESCO Commission for World Water Report 2019

Your nearest water tap is probably around the corner. I'll show you a typical picture from Ethiopia on the topic of "getting water in half an hour". It may be one of the poorest countries in the world, but the supply of drinking water is even more worrying in the sub-Saharan region.

By the way, in many countries it is the rule that women provide the water. Nevertheless, they have less access to clean drinking water. And while in Germany the use of water is quite sustainable and okay (with the exception of agriculture), our consumption in areas with poorer water supplies further exacerbates the problem. As examples, the report cites our clothing because of the cultivation of cotton or the consumption of beef. There is different calculations, but assume that your burger uses at least 1000l of water. And your jeans 6000l...

Water procurement im Daily life

The normal daily routine in many countries means that you first go to the well in the morning. Only then can you move on to the day's work.

In urban areas the distances are shorter, but there are also more people at the fountain. Since everyone needs their water, the waiting times at the well are longer. And as you look at these pictures, you might take a moment to consider how the physical labor of fetching water is accomplished when you're sick or old.

And what is with the water quality?

In addition to the hassle of obtaining water, water quality is another important factor to consider. In Germany, almost 100% have access to clean drinking water. The World Water Report summarizes the dilemma:

“Almost one in three people (2,1 billion people) had no access to a safe drinking water supply.” And: “Over 80 percent of all wastewater worldwide is discharged untreated into the environment.”

From the 2019 World Water Report Executive Summary

I experienced (and smelled) what that looks like in a community in Addis Ababa, one of Africa's metropolises and the capital of Ethiopia.

An estimated 2 to 3 thousand people live in the community in question. The local politicians have built at least 6 toilets for everyone, 5 of which have doors. Of course, these are so-called plum toilets and the feces are pumped out once a month. Residents have to pay for this disposal themselves. The local people wanted to change their situation and found contact with Goldeimer. You've probably heard the name of this social business in connection with toilet paper and sensible festival toilets. The first two biological toilets in Africa were built together - with plant-based sewage treatment plants! Pictures (also from me) and report is available at Goldeimer. Great thing!

Improvement in sight?

Viva con Agua has a great project together with Welthungerhilfe Ethiopia started. A mobile well drilling rig was purchased. This allows groundwater to be tapped for surrounding villages and corresponding wells to be built. The project is initially scheduled to last 8 years.

What follows is my emotional highlight of the trip: the well drilling machine hits water! There you are standing in the middle of a wonderful landscape with only a few cowherds out and about in the blazing heat of the day. In sight, an old well is rotting away and can no longer reach groundwater because the drilling depth is too shallow. Residents of the neighboring village wait with you when the drill of the mobile drilling unit hits the water vein. Of course, Ethiopian geologists have calculated the drilling site and Ethiopian experts operate the machines.

A truly amazing moment: groundwater bubbles up. Yes, the water still looks dirty, but that is completely normal. It's just groundwater. If the fountain is placed in this place, there will also be appropriate cleaning. The mechanics say they want to install a fine grid on the well drilling machine so that the water looks cleaner for the photos. In my opinion, this is too much trouble for a few European donation eyes. Because of course the crucial thing is that there is water at all at this point. And of course it is easy to drink. Elsewhere, presenter Jeannine Michaelsen sees this for herself.

water is life

Yes, there is still a lot to do to ensure that water is a natural part of life for everyone. I am glad that I was able to experience the work of Viva con Agua on site in Ethiopia (and also previously in Uganda and Nepal). No "development aid", but cooperation on equal terms. Everyone involved contributes their skills and achieves great things together.

You can read the UN's complete world water report read in English here or you watch the German summary

You can find more information about Viva con Agua and their work on their website or at the next one Millerntor Gallery, which will take place from July 4th to 7th, 2019 in the Millerntor Stadium - together with many dozens of artists and volunteers from all over the world.