Italian NGO helps bring clean water to villages in Ethiopia 
Five water supply systems built in Basketo, [deleted] Ari, and Geze Gofa districts, are now bringing clean water to local villages, together with support from the Comunità Volontari per il Mondo (CVM) - an Italian NGO that has been working in the country since 1980.
By Vincenzo Giardina
A few weeks ago, a celebration took place in southern Ethiopia marking the construction of five water supply systems. Water and energy are critical challenges in these hills that rise toward the highlands. Prolonged droughts make water supplies increasingly unpredictable, and there is no room for waste.
"From now on, it will be essential to take care of this water system by saying, 'It is ours,' and by feeling that it belongs both to each individual and to the whole community," says Gezachew Belay, administrator responsible for water and energy in the Ari district of southern Ethiopia.
"In the villages," Gezachew adds, "there must be a strong sense of responsibility so that this service can be guaranteed not only today, but also in the future."
The service is supported by Italy through funds from the 8xmille allocation to the Catholic Church. It is provided free of charge—because water is priceless.
"Most people in this region still lack access to safe drinking water," Ascani explains. "Only about 30% to 40% of the population has access to clean water sources, a situation that also has serious public health implications because of waterborne diseases."
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/new ... iopia.html
