Bringing Safe Water to 7,500 Children in Bayda Libya
How UNICEF WASH intervention has benefited Mohammed family to access clean safe water
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In the wake of Storm Daniel, families in Bayda, Libya, including Mohammed Abdullah's, faced severe water shortages. Mohammed, a father of five, had to travel 20 kilometers daily to buy water, as their village, Ajlan, located 30 kilometers from the city, struggled with non-functional boreholes that prevented access to safe water.
The situation was dire and Mohammed's family, like many others in the area, had no access to water for days, relying on expensive, store-bought bottled water.
“Fetching water was extremely costly, and even after placing a reservation, it would take four days for the water to be delivered to my home”
Mohammed explained. As the head of the family, it was his responsibility to provide for them and find a solution to this persistent water crisis.
"There were no other solutions at that time except buying and consume bottled water for me and my five children he emphasized "
UNICEF in partnership with the General Company for Water and Wastewater (GWWC)thanks to the funds of the United Nation’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), embarked on rehabilitating 14 water wells in the region. This initiative restored access to clean water for over 90,000 people in Bayda, Derna, Shahaat, and the Qandula, significantly improving the situation of Mohammed and his family.
In Bayda alone, six boreholes were rehabilitated including the Parliament, Alwsita, the Chinese Buildings, Bayda Municipal Council, Aljarid, and Ajlan boreholes. These boreholes give access to safe water to almost 25,000 people, including 7,500 children. This intervention brought immense relief. Home tanks now fill quickly, eliminating the need to buy water. Livestock, too, benefitted from this development, with a steady water supply. This project not only ensured sustainability in drinking water but also paved the way for better health and hygiene practices.
For Mohammed and his family, the change is palpable. With a reliable water supply directly piped into their home, daily chores have become easier, and the family's overall well-being has improved. A relieved Mohammed, shares that
"Now, we have enough water for all our needs, without the stress of fetching it."
UNICEF's swift response in Bayda delivered over 1.35 million liters of water to 11,000 people, providing almost 8 liters of water per person per day, upgraded sanitation facilities for 2,555 students, and enhanced municipal wastewater management. Additionally, hygiene campaigns and disinfection kit distributions targeted disease prevention, showcasing a holistic approach to post-storm recovery.
UNICEF's intervention in Bayda stands as a testament to the transformative impact of international cooperation and community resilience, ensuring a basic human right – access to Safe water – is met.
