March 2, 2026
News
In the village of Banka Kebele, in southern Ethiopia, Caritas Czech Republic established a water system that now supplies 9,000 residents. Thanks to this activity, the community has become more self-sufficient. People’s health has improved, new income-earning opportunities have opened up, and they are now better prepared to face the impacts of climate change, which are strongly felt in the area. Between 2024 and 2025, Caritas Czech Republic operated here together with the Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission Coordination Office of Soddo (ECC-SDCO/S) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Ensuring long-term water security
Caritas’ primary goal was to provide a safe and reliable source of water for the community. Therefore, it was necessary to protect natural water springs and then build infrastructure to deliver water to people.
A 100-metre-cubic reservoir was constructed in the village, from which the water is carried away by a fourteen-kilometre pipeline. At the moment, there are seven points across the village where people can access water.
Photo: A 100-metre-cubic reservoir was constructed in the village
“Our collaboration with Caritas Czech Republic and Czech Aid has enabled families in Banka Kebele to transition from persistent hardship to improved health, dignity, and renewed hope. Reliable access to safe water and strengthened health services has been transformative – children are healthier, mothers are better able to care for their families and plan for the future, and communities are empowered to take an active role in their own development,” Moges Kochere, Project Coordinator at ECC-SDCO/S says.
The maintenance of the water supply system was entrusted to the community
Another crucial step in this activity was the establishment of seven committees to maintain the water system in the future. Membership of these committees was divided equally between men and women. One of them is Almaz, a mother of two. Her family is among 9,000 residents who now have access to water.
You did not just give us water. You saved my children from sickness. You gave me time, strength, and hope. I feel like a real mother again. This gift will last for generations,
Almaz shares. In addition to setting up the committees, Caritas Czech Republic also helped train ten local mechanics who can now maintain the system themselves.
Photo: The maintenance of the water supply system was entrusted to the community
Revitalising healthcare services
In the past, poor-quality water caused serious health problems among the village’s residents. However, since the water supply system was put into operation, their health has improved significantly. Medical centres are reporting a 70% reduction in patients with waterborne diseases. Doctors are now seeing far fewer cases among children, who previously frequently experienced such issues.
Photo: Thanks to the water, the health of the local children has improved
Before we were constantly responding to emergencies. Now we focus on prevention. Families are healthier, and the cycle of illness is breaking,
a local health worker confirms. Moreover, Caritas Czech Republic newly equipped the local health centre and the Laha Primary Hospital. Simultaneously, we helped train 32 members of staff in emergency obstetric care and the management of child illnesses. Workers also gained knowledge of climate-resilient health practices.
Photo: Caritas Czech Republic equipped Laha Primary Hospital
Water has strengthened the entire community
Behind the restoration of the water source lie many subtle factors that have improved life for the entire community. Families have found peace because they no longer need to deal with frequent health complications among adults and children. Apart from that, people also save time that they used to spend fetching water from elsewhere. Nowadays, they can use that time for new income-earning opportunities.
By reinforcing critical infrastructure, strengthening health systems, and enhancing community governance structures, the collaboration has addressed underlying vulnerabilities and achieved sustainable improvements in public health, community resilience, and local institutional capacity in Banka Kebele,
Dr. Netsaner Demisse, Acting Executive Director at ECC-SDCO/S, says.
Photo: Water has strengthened the community spirit in Banka Kebele
The self-sufficiency of the entire community has also been strengthened, and people are now better prepared to face sudden natural disasters linked to climate change, such as floods or periods of drought. Moreover, the water supply system belongs to the community, which is important to the village’s residents.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, this support has restored confidence and created lasting opportunities for current and future generations,
Moges Kochere concludes.
