This year’s Season of Creation focuses on the theme of “Living Water”. To help us celebrate, we are learning how water projects supported or initiated by SCNs are bringing new life to water recipients.
Today we are revisiting the water project led by the Nepal Nazareth Society in Koshidekha, Nepal and completed in December 2020. The project piped potable water from the Sunkoshi River through 4.5 km of newly-laid pipe to the village of Koshidekha, 300 m above the river. Sister Aisha Kavalakattu, who served as the project director, shares what changes she has seen in the villagers since bringing clean water to them almost six years ago:
Before the water project, women had to walk almost three hours to fetch water for their daily use. They woke up at 3 a.m. in order to fetch water from the river and carried it back up the mountain on their backs before they cooked for their children, sent them to school, and started work.
The water project changed all that by bringing clean water to a tap at the doorstep of over 680 families. Now, we see healthy, happy people, especially women and children. The time and energy that women save not having to fetch water they use for their children and families. Children are saved from waterborne diseases, and more of them go to school regularly because they are healthy. Students have planted flower gardens at home and at school; they learn the value of water and say to one another, “Save water. Save life.”
Families are healthier and have better diets because of the water. Villagers can afford to wash more often and have better hygiene with cleaner clothes. Every family has a small kitchen garden. Some women grow vegetables on a big scale and sell them in the market. They have enough water to raise animals such as goats, pigs, chickens, and cows. They get milk from their cows and get good nutrition for their families while building wealth through their animals. Since the water project, the women’s group has started a savings and credit program. Now they have access to money to start other small businesses.
The water project was done with the participation of the villagers; they were aware of each step of the project. The system continues to function very well because villagers have formed committees to take care of maintenance. They look after any damage to the pipe/ machine and see to the sustainability of the project. Water is a real need, so all take a keen interest in its function. This common effort has led to unity and a feeling of oneness within Koshidekha.
These changes have happened because they have enough water now. The joy we experience is that we have witnessed these changes. We thank God that he allowed us to be the agent of these changes. We experienced his loving presence and guidance in every step of this program.