BANGLADESH, Satkhira District.
£2,500.
Provision of arsenic-free wells.
Some of the poorest and most marginalised people in the world live in Bangladesh.
The countryside is severely affected by arsenic contaminated water supplies. 30-40% of previously used shallow tube wells suffer contamination, such wells in coastal areas also contain unacceptably high saline levels.
5 deep wells will be provided in Ganokendra's (community centres/libraries). These centres provide learning and community development activities and raise awareness about the dangers of using arsenic contaminated water.
Safe drinking water from the wells will help to overcome the causes of illnesses and deaths that are linked to dirty water.
Some people have to travel 5km to collect water, for which a carrying charge is made (van rental).
Installing local wells removes this necessity. Each deep sunk tube well will serve up to 1,000 families in a 3km radius.
Financed through Dhaka Ahsania Mission (Devon, UK).