Siz Community Water Supply Improvement Project

Total Project Cost: $72,370

Project Location: Siz, Shey Bench Woreda, West Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Project & Program Background

Siz Hospital is a key referral facility serving over 48,000 people across the Shey Bench district of West Omo Zone. In partnership with Village Health Partnership (VHP), WEFTA is working to ensure that the hospital and surrounding community have a reliable and safe water supply system that meets healthcare standards for infection prevention and control (IPC). A new solar system funded by VHP provides energy for both the hospital and water operations at the hospital.

The hospital currently utilizes a borehole well with a solar-powered pumping system. This system was designed to provide water for the hospital, and also for the surrounding community.  The well pump was intentionally oversized to be able to supply water to the hospital tank, as well as the community. WEFTA worked with Afro Ethiopia Integrated Development (AEID), a long-term partner of VHP and WEFTA, to design the water supply system for the surrounding community.  WEFTA is now supporting the construction of this new water distribution system for the community.

Community & Facility Background

Siz Town is the administrative center of Shey Bench Woreda in West Omo Zone, a predominantly rural and agriculturally based district in southwestern Ethiopia. Infrastructure in the area is limited, and access to basic services, particularly safe water, remains a significant challenge.

The Siz community with more than 16,000 residents currently has no functional, sustainable water supply system serving households. Residents rely on distant or unimproved sources, which are unreliable and pose health risks. Water collection often requires significant time and effort, primarily borne by women and children.

An earlier phase of this project completed the water system for the hospital, but until the system is expanded, the broader population continues to lack reliable access to safe water. Strengthening the water system to serve both the hospital and the community is therefore critical for public health, infection prevention, and long-term community development.

Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Concerns

Despite the presence of a productive groundwater well at Siz Hospital, the surrounding community of more than 16,000 residents currently lacks a reliable and safe water supply system. Most households depend on distant, seasonal, or unimproved water sources that are vulnerable to contamination and often insufficient during dry periods. This situation increases the risk of waterborne diseases and limits the community’s ability to practice proper hygiene and sanitation. Women and children bear the greatest burden, frequently spending hours each day collecting water for basic household needs. Expanding the water distribution system from the existing well to serve the broader community is therefore essential to improving public health, supporting sanitation and hygiene practices, and reducing the time and physical burden associated with water collection.

Proposed Project Components

• Construction of a 100 m³ reinforced concrete reservoir.
• Supply and installation of pressure and distribution piping networks.
• Construction of three valve chambers to control mainline and reservoir flows.
• Construction of five community water points, each with six faucets to extend access to nearby residents.
• Installation of an air release valve for system safety and efficiency.

Project Cost Summary

Sustainability & Community Engagement

The community will contribute $6,000 USD cash to the project. WEFTA and VHP will train local staff in system operation and maintenance, routine water quality monitoring, and financial management for long-term sustainability.

WEFTA Volunteers

WEFTA volunteers will contribute 15% of the total project cost by providing critical support to the project at every stage. Volunteers will provide technical expertise during the construction phase and remain involved in post-construction monitoring and water system administration training to ensure the system’s effectiveness and sustainability over time.

If you would like additional information about this project, please contact us.