Lemlem is 21 years old, is thinking of starting a new business, and lives in May-ayni. She recently said, “Prior to the construction of this water point, I used to fetch water from a river called ‘Genfel.' It takes around 25 minutes one way walk to the river. All residents of this village collect water from this source which requires us to cross the asphalt road. Since it is a highway, collecting water from the river was a risky moment for us.’’

“But now,” she said, “things have changed. I started fetching water from this new shallow borehole which is just a five minute walk away. I am able to collect as much safe and clean water as I need. This has helped me to complete other household chores on time and have time for rest.”

According to Lemlem, the community has participated from the very beginning of this project by providing free labor, helping the water during their work, collecting stones and safeguarding the equipment and construction materials. After the completion of the water point the village established a Water and Sanitation committee comprised of six members (three women and three men) and set their bylaws. Each household is now paying two birr on a monthly basis to access the water point; one birr for the guard and the other birr is being saved at Debebit Microfinance for future repairs.

At the end of the day when asked if she has any thing to say, Lemelem said, “Thanks to REST and its partners for their generous help.”