Jipapad is a landlocked municipality in the coastal province of Eastern Samar.
Our “Bringing Clean Water Closer” Rural Water Supply Project addresses the critical need for accessible and reliable water sources in a remote rural area where the nearest water source is a challenging 10 kilometers away.
This transformative initiative will involve constructing a robust and sustainable water supply system, including wells, pipelines, and distribution points strategically positioned within the community. By reducing the distance to a clean water source, we aim to enhance the quality of life, reduce waterborne diseases, and empower local residents to thrive through improved health and economic opportunities.
Access to clean and reliable water sources is fundamental to human health, sanitation, and economic development. Unfortunately, the current water situation in Jipapad, Eastern Samar highlights significant challenges that necessitate immediate intervention through our proposed water system project.
Current Water Situation
- Access to Safe Drinking Water: As of 2021 approximately 92% of households in Jipapad, Easter Samar lack access to safe and reliable drinking water sources. This equates to approximately 4,370 people who are forced to rely on unsafe or unreliable water sources, including contaminated wells, rivers, or unregulated private vendors.
- Waterborne Diseases: The absence of clean water has resulted in a significant public health crisis. 46% of reported diseases in our region are waterborne, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, and typhoid. 30% of hospital admissions are directly linked to water-related illnesses.
Water Quality and Contamination
- Contaminated Water Sources: Alarmingly, 75% of our region’s water sources, including rivers and groundwater, exceed safe contamination levels for pathogens, heavy metals, and pollutants. This contamination poses a severe risk to residents who depend on these sources for their daily needs.
- Unsafe Sanitation Practices: In 2021, only 10% of households in Jipapad, Eastern Samar had access to proper sanitation facilities. The lack of adequate sanitation exacerbates water contamination issues and contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases.
Impact on Livelihood and Education
- Agricultural Impact: Agriculture is the backbone of our region’s economy, but water scarcity hampers productivity. 90% of farmers face difficulties in irrigating their crops, resulting in reduced yields and income.
- Education Disruption: Water scarcity also affects children’s education. 95% of schools in Jipapad, Eastern Samar lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities, leading to increased school absenteeism and decreased academic performance.
Gender and Water Collection
- Gender Disparities: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the water crisis. On average, women and girls in Jipapad, Eastern Samar spend 6 hours daily collecting water from distant sources, limiting their opportunities for education and economic empowerment.
These data and statistics underscore the urgent need for our water system project. The high prevalence of waterborne diseases, water contamination, and the impact on public health, agriculture, and education all point to a pressing need for a sustainable and reliable water system to improve the quality of life for the residents of Jipapad, Eastern Samar.
The Water System Project plays a pivotal role in addressing Sustainable Development Goal Number 6, which is “Clean Water and Sanitation.” By providing access to safe and reliable drinking water sources, improving water quality, and enhancing sanitation facilities, this project directly contributes to the achievement of SDG 6. In doing so, it tackles some of the most pressing global challenges, such as waterborne diseases, inadequate sanitation practices, and the lack of access to clean water in marginalized communities. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader SDGs, as access to clean water is intrinsically linked to better health, gender equality, reduced poverty, and enhanced economic opportunities. By focusing on clean water and sanitation, this project not only addresses a fundamental human right but also advances the broader agenda of sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on the well-being of communities and the environment.
