Right Now, Southwest Sumba Has Clean Water

"We used to drink water that tasted salty, but after the assistance from WVI, now we can enjoy clean water that is not salty. Thank you, WVI," said Maria, a child who lives in one of WVI's assisted villages in Southwest Sumba. Maria's gratitude also goes to all the donors, elite runners, and participants of the Global 6K Water for Sumba held in May 2023. Because of your support, Maria and the children in Southwest Sumba can now enjoy access to clean water. 

Before there was access to clean water, Maria's father, mother, brother and sister could not implement Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) due to lack of clean water. Although Maria and her family already knew what PHBS was, and wanted to implement it, but if there was no water, hygiene could not be realized. 

The water that the children and community in the village have been relying on comes from a well in the village. However, the water from the well is brackish and murky. For years, Maria and her family have been living with water that is not suitable for consumption. This also affects the health of children like Maria and her brother. Environmental hygiene and personal hygiene that is not maintained is a source of disease that easily attacks children. 

Global 6K Water for Sumba is a movement that seeks to improve access to clean water in WVI-assisted villages in Southwest Sumba. This is done through the construction of Rainwater Collection (PAH) basins. The village where Maria lives is one of the first villages to receive a PAH basin. There will be other villages that are planning and ready to work together to build PAH.  

With this clean water facility, the lives of children and communities have improved. Children can get clean water easily. Children can drink and bathe at any time. Clean and Healthy Living Behavior can also be done. Children in Southwest Sumba will grow healthier and more prosperous. 

Contributor: WVI staff in Southwest Sumba 

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)