ACTED has been implementing a project to provide for the vital needs in drinking water of 20,000 persons affected by the attacks of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

In a context of high insecurity due to the presence of the LRA, the villagers in Haut Mbomou are often forced to leave their villages, and settle down in secure areas where water is not available in sufficient quantity for the newcomers. Yet the necessity to drink, cook, wash and to do the laundry is vital. But water is far away, too far most of the time. After having fled the exactions, the displaced and refugees are now facing thirst and water-borne diseases.

Zemio is a big village in the prefecture of Haut Mbomou, in the South of the Central African Republic. Life has never been easy there; this isolated village has no livelihoods other than farming practiced in the fields formerly in the equatorial forest. Zemio is made up of straw, wooden and dry mud houses, constructions are rare, as are the hopes to reach Bangui, the capital- where life is considered as easier for a lot of people.

Since October 2009, living in Zemio has become even harder. Indeed, the LRA, a Ugandan rebel group has chosen this area as its exaction ground. For survival, the Central African families who were living in isolated villages of the prefecture, as well as the Congolese families who were living on the other side of the border, had to leave their native villages. Almost 10,000 new persons have found refuge in Zemio, causing overcrowding.

Sometimes, 15 liters of water can make the difference between life and death

In this context of increasing pressure on local water resources, ACTED, in partnership with the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department and UNICEF, is digging up 14 wells, rehabilitating three others, setting up three water sources and is proceeding to the distribution of 250 kits for the construction of latrines, showers and waste pits.

Without a doubt, water is not the only problem. The increase in population and the deterioration of hygiene conditions in the village and in the refugee and displaced camps (spontaneous settlements made of straw, wood tarpaulins and iron sheet shelters), increase the risk of serious epidemics. The objectives of the interventions are to guarantee safe access to drinking water for the population- at the rate of 15 litres of water per person per day, according to SPHERE standards- and the installation of latrines and showers to improve the sanitary conditions. ACTED is also raising awareness on best hygiene practices, relying on a community-based approach.

“Insecurity and logistics issues linked to the remoteness of the village and to the rainy season represent our daily challenges”, explains Ségolène, the Project Manager. “But the whole team is highly motivated and has understood the importance of our work, even in these difficult conditions. The presence of ACTED not only represents the possibility of having access to water, but also symbolizes an important source of hope: refugees, IDPs and the population of Zemio all know that they are not alone anymore”.