Field Notes from Sodo
Updated: 2 days ago
We just got back to Wolaita Sodo after another big day in the field. We went to Waraza today to check out all the work which once again was amazing and so well done. This project supplies about 650 people with water. Unfortunately it was market day for this community so we missed seeing some people but despite that, yet again, we were absolutely showered with blessings and thanks.
Although the water office was keen to get moving once we had inspected the work, I impressed on them the need to take up the invitation to visit the caretaker’s home so that at least some of the ladies in particular, could thank us in person.
From my experience this is a really important part of the whole picture - we don’t need the thanks - but it’s important that people with no other form of communication available, can say thank you to the bringers of a change in their lives. As we walked through the community towards Ayza’s home, ladies and men stopped what they were doing to shake our hands and express their appreciation.
Everyone loves their clean water that is easy and quick to collect and close to their homes. Many people said that after so long wanting it, it had become unimaginable for them. Just like yesterday, the ladies we spoke to reported that everyone - adults and children - feel so much better physically. Diarrhoea they told us, is no longer a problem for anyone.
The community is well organized and trained up by the water office and the contractor to ensure that the system is sustainable. Mokie the contractor, invited us back to his home for a late lunch that his wife hosted very elegantly. We had a good talk about how we work together - the water office is really happy with the way we operate especially because we are able make decisions quickly, do what we say we are going to do, don’t ask to look at projects we can’t afford, and don’t waste money on administration - apparently other organisations take two to three years from the time of initial discussions to starting a project.
Because of how we do things, the contractor and the council how give us priority over other organisations.
So we had a great day and to top it all off, we rocked up to a service station and filled the tank with diesel - something that was unimaginable last time we were here.
Humbly
Catherine
