UN-HABITAT gives Ethiopian poor access to water and sanitation
Around 10,000 people from poorest neighbourhoods in Harar City, in Ethiopia, are set to benefit from a UN-HABITAT project, completed in December 2008, which will provide water and sanitation facilities

Members of the Dehoch community are the beneficiaries of a project implemented under the second phase of Water for African Cities Programme. Within the community, 85 households, approximately 300-350 people, will be the owners and direct beneficiaries of the water and sanitation facilities. But is estimated that a total of 10,000 citizens, from the surrounding neighbourhoods, will also profit from the UN-HABITAT project.

The word ‘Dehoch” is an Amharic word used to mean poor people. This name has been attached to this community due to the fact that it is the poorest and most vulnerable group in Harar, and therefore the most in need of aid.

The water and sanitation project began in began in February 2006 and was completed in December 2008, with a total fund of USD 109,290 being spent, of which UN-HABITAT contributed 86 per cent and Harar Water & Sewerage Authority 14 per cent.

Under the UN-HABITAT programme a one inch thick, 300 meter long pipe has been laid in the area, along with a public water point and the construction of a 25 cubic meter water reservoir.

UN-HABITAT's Regional Technical Advisor, Mr. Tekalign Tsige said: “Apart from being source of potable water for the poor community, it has been used as a means of generating income through selling water to the neighbourhoods. In addition, the intervention has inspired the poor community members to realize their right of getting basic services and have started to raise their voice collectively.”

In the sanitation component, the community members were provided with garbage collection bins as well as the construction of public toilets with shower services. The completed toilet facilities include two building blocks with shower rooms (one for men and one for women) and water tankers that can serve to collect rainwater while simultaneously being used as a reservoir of water from the network. UN-HABITAT also provided training for care takers from the community.