Water sources in Kobastil and surroundings

According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, only 13 percent of Ethiopia’s rural population has access to clean drinking water. The remaining population is continually exposed to diseases caused by unsafe or insufficient water, poor hygiene, and inadequate sanitation. Access to clean water is vital for public health, yet polluted water remains one of the world’s leading health threats—claiming an estimated 25,000 lives each day through illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.

The Wondem Foundation initially set out to construct ten water sources in Kobastil and the surrounding areas to improve access to safe drinking water. However, external challenges—including the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine—shifted donor priorities and impacted funding availability. Additionally, Ethiopia’s economic and political instability, along with ongoing foreign exchange issues, have further complicated financing efforts.

In response to these challenges, the Wondem Foundation revised its plan and scaled back the project to focus on constructing six water sources. The foundation also engaged in dialogue with local community leaders to address concerns and gain support for the updated plan.

Expert evaluation

Water experts from Addis Ababa and Debre Birhan assessed the water well project and produced a comprehensive report, including a detailed cost estimate. After evaluating the capacity of six wells, they concluded that these sources can reliably provide sufficient clean water to meet the needs of the local communities.

Water research and future implementation

In 2017, the Wondem Foundation successfully constructed a water well in the Rib Rib mountains, a district of Kobastil. This well provided ample water for all residents in the area. Following this success, local stakeholders—including the contractor, community leaders, and residents—proposed using solar energy and a pipeline system to bring mountain water to the community.

A technical study and cost assessment conducted by water experts in Debre Birhan confirmed the well’s high capacity. It is capable of supplying clean water to approximately 1,000 people, 3,000 animals, and for use in irrigation. However, the estimated costs for installing two storage tanks and a solar energy system exceeded the initial budget.

After thorough consultations with local partners and the community, it was agreed that this component of the project would be postponed and implemented in the future, once adequate funding is secured.

Impact on Kobastil and surrounding areas

The project has had a significant positive impact on Kobastil and nearby villages. Reliable access to high-quality drinking water has greatly improved public health, reducing illness and enabling both children and adults to lead more productive lives. Healthier families are better positioned to increase their incomes and invest in education, as fewer school days are missed due to illness or caregiving responsibilities.

Importance of education and sustainability

To ensure long-term sustainability, a local water management group was established. The community receives ongoing education and training on hygiene, health, and water management, with particular emphasis on the role of women. These efforts embed the value of clean water more deeply into community life and contribute to long-lasting change.

Concrete results

The project has delivered measurable outcomes, including:

• access to clean water: approximately 2,500 people in Kobastil and surrounding villages now have access to clean and safe drinking water.
• animal hydration: around 6,000 domestic and wild animals benefit from dedicated water troughs.
• capacity building: ten technicians, five community members, and five local government officials have been trained in water management and maintenance.
• hygiene awareness: community awareness of hygiene has improved through health clubs and educational outreach.
•  agricultural benefits: improved irrigation has led to increased cultivation of vegetables and fruits, enhancing food security and generating additional income.