Espwa’s Clean Water Initiative

Have you ever worried that the water in your home is contaminated?  When was the last time your children were gravely sick due to drinking poor quality water?  For many Haitians, these fears are daily occurrences.

Sadly, the picture from our January trip above looks eerily similar to photos taken many years ago on our first few trips.  Still littered with trash and human/livestock waste, this waterway that cuts through Cap Haitien showcases the continued need for clean water in Haiti.  Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, are rampant in many communities that suffer from poor sanitation and contaminated water.  Throughout last year and especially after Hurricane Matthew, we partnered with our medical director on the ground, Dr. Maklin, to fight the spread of waterborne diseases.  Your generous donations have gone to both preventative measures (bleach, buckets, aqua tabs, hand sanitizer, and soap) and to education on how to protect from spreading the diseases.

Yet we are still experiencing a global water crisis.  Consider these global facts¹:

  • 842,000 people die every year due to diarrhea caused by inadequate drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene
  • 2.4 billion people live without adequate sanitation
  • Studies have shown that school attendance rises as time to collect water is reduced

These statistics become real when we interact with patients at New Hope Hospital, or talk with our Peace & Joy Families. That’s why we’re so excited to share some news about a clean water initiative that will impact the community where the majority of our Peace & Joy Families live (Quartier-Morin).  We socialized the idea of a clean water well with the families and received an enthusiastic response.  The families contributed to the decision by selecting the ideal location for the community.  Right now, we’re pursuing partners who specialize in this work so that we can take the next steps.  We can’t wait to see the boost to their neighborhood and the excitement that results from this opportunity.

Though we are still working on a cost estimate to complete the project, we estimate $2,500 – $5,000 based on data from similar installations.  These costs include long-term maintenance of the well, which we hope will also provide a job for a local Haitian.  To make a contribution to this cause, please click the link below!


1. See the Water Mission Website, https://watermission.org/water-crisis/