Operation: Water Point

Thanks to a new rainwater catchment system that arrived by boat from the capital this week, all artisans and technicians on the SEPALI Madagascar team have access to clean water and sanitation drops to help keep them, and their families, healthy.

Tasio and Tsoly from the agroforestry and biochar teams transport clean water home at day's end.

When communities lack reliable access to clean water and public sanitation, typhoid is a public health risk. The fever can spread from contaminated water and food.

"When the head of our artisan program fell ill with typhoid fever earlier this year, we couldn't rest without doing something." - Rachel Kramer, CPALI Executive Director

Many wells in Maroantsetra, where our artisan workshop, agroforestry center, and silk rearing demonstration garden are located in northeastern Madagascar, aren't deep enough and may be compromised. Particularly, in times of heavy rains and flooding.

"When the head of our artisan program fell ill with typhoid fever earlier this year, we couldn't rest without doing something," said CPALI Executive Director, Rachel Kramer. Rainwater catchment is the best solution. But collecting rainwater requires a clean metal roof and containers large enough to hold supply for long dry spells. These are out of reach for many in the community.

SEPALI Madagascar local Director Mamy Ratsimbazafy researched catchment tanks that would fit two criteria. They needed to be strong enough to hold up in cyclones that strike northeastern Madagascar. They also needed to be opaque so that algae would not grow inside of them in sun exposure. He found a solution that was only available in the capital.

Getting the tanks and supplies to Maroantsetra took over a month due to rough seas that kept diverting scheduled boats. Finally, they arrived. Each team member transports 20 liters home at the end of the day via bicycle or tuk tuk.

Supplies for the new SEPALI Madagascar rainwater catchment system and drinking water dispensary.

Earlier this year, CPALI issued a call for support to set up a small emergency fund. Generous friends gave enough to cover the costs of the new rainwater catchment system and installation, jugs for water transportation, and travel for our lead artisan to receive medical attention.

"We couldn't offer a solution to everyone in the community, but we could do something to help our team and their families." - Mamy Ratsimbazafy, SEPALI Madagascar Director

Now recovered, lead artisan Lalaina Raharindimby has trained group members to use sanitation drops when water is consumed without boiling. Mamy Ratsimbazafy reflected on a recent call, "We couldn't offer a solution to everyone in the community, but we could do something to help our team and their families."

Artisans, agroforestry, biochar technicians, and family members line up to fill water jugs at the end of the day to transport home by bicycle.

Once subsidized by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), water sanitation drops are now hard to find in rural Madagascar. "I just placed a monthly order for them so we never run out," said Lalaina Raharindimby.

Tasio, Frabin, and Tsoly fill jugs for team members at the new SEPALI Madagascar water dispensary.

CPALI is grateful to all who supported the emergency fund this year. And to those who continue to give to help us sustain the water dispensary and distribute water sanitation drops.

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Photo credits: Lalaina Raharindimby/SEPALI Madagascar