WHEN WE SET OUT TO CONDUCT OUR BASELINE STUDY… we did so because we suspected that it would yield results that would dramatically alter our approach to providing the people of Mambéré-Kadéï with a sustainable and effective water supply system.
NOT EVEN WE COULD HAVE ANTICIPATED THE ENORMITY OF THE DATA THE STUDY ULTIMATELY YIELDED.
Only seven percent of the population was being served through existing water infrastructure.
Cost-effective solutions like manual pumps and solar-powered tanked distribution systems could provide over 232,000 people with appropriate access.
Despite residing within the range of urban water systems, a large number of people do not have appropriate water access due to the dilapidated or outdated nature of those systems.
Approximately 18% of the population is currently inaccessible.
The population data stands out as one of the most shocking results. Check out Wikipedia’s article on the region. The last reliable population census it lists is from 2003. Our Baseline Study showed roughly 100,000 MORE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE REGION. The fact that only 7% of this vastly expanded population had adequate access to water is emblematic of a much more dramatic need than was previously estimated: our initial expectation was that 30% of the population was without adequate access.
Some of this information was, to some degree, expected, while other parts took us completely by surprise. Some of it is incredibly helpful, and some of it is a reason for those who would like to be part of the solution to gird ourselves for a long battle. However, one aspect of the results is certain: change is possible in Mambéré-Kadéï. Guided by good data and a steadfast team we’re confident that with your help, Water for Good can affect positive change in this (and other) regions for years to come.
