March 26, 2009

Supplying “water for life” in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a landlocked, mountainous country in Central Asia close to the Afghan border. After the fall of communism in the 1990s, the country went through a devastating five-year civil war which ruined much of its infrastructure. Over 60 percent of its population lives on less than $2 dollars a day and only 58 percent have access to clean and safe water.

In the post-Soviet period, the quality of water supply, sanitation and housing services have deteriorated due to the lack of government funding. The civil war and transition to a market economy are the main factors which have led to this situation. Routine maintenance work is not carried out. Drinking water is drawn from contaminated irrigation canals and ditches. Annually, almost half of the population contract one or more water borne diseases.

Habitat for Humanity has joined forces with the local NGO Nakukor to adapt and implement a low-cost solution to the problem–the “bio-sand” water filter. It consists of a concrete container with graded sand and gravel, topped with a diffuser and bio-layer. As water passes though the various layers, bacteria are filtered out. This technology is simple yet effective and can be easily assembles and maintained by the families. One filter costs $163 and provides clean drinking water for two families. When the family repays the costs, money goes into the revolving fund and filters can be installed in other households of the community.


If you want to know more about the World Water Day, please click here.


By building the water filters in villages in Tajikistan, Habitat is providing clean and safe water for families in need and you can get involved!
Help us make this possible by donating or by joining one of our Global Village trips.