Author: Liban Hailu
Published: 23 July 2024
In Abi-Adi town, a community of people displaced by conflict in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, a woman in a clean blue dress stood out in the crowd as she headed toward the well pump. The 48-year-old mother darted toward the queue of people, her jerrycan in hand, intent on getting water for her eight children.
Getting in line for water is one part of Birzaf Gebreabezg’s daily hustle for survival. Originally from the western Tigray village of Humera, Birzaf's journey to the camp for displaced people was not one of choice, but of necessity, driven by the harrowing conflict in Tigray. She trekked 447.9 km kilometers for 20 grueling days, her children in tow, until they found refuge in a vocational college in Abi-Adi town, along with more than 17,000 others. The family endured conflict for two years, from 2020 until the declaration of a ceasefire in 2022.
Living in cramped quarters, a tent that measures 24 square meters and accommodates 11 individuals Birzaf's family faced dire circumstances. "There was no water when we arrived; we relied on the river," Birzaf recalled. "But the river was a precarious source; the sheer number of people vying for water led to constant queues and contamination."
While residing in the camp, Birzaf witnessed the transformation brought about by Oxfam's intervention. A rehabilitated water point provided safe and accessible water, benefitting more than 17,500 individuals. Providing hygiene kits to assist people in staying clean and preventing diseases has been crucial. These kits include essential items such as jerrycans, washing basins, plastic buckets, soap, underwear, sanitary pads, and soap.
"We didn’t have jerrycans, they gave us. We didn’t have buckets, we received them. We used to wash our clothes on a stone, now we have a basin. We had dirty water, but now we get clean water. Our children used to get sick, but we have seen improvement now,” Birzaf said. “Thanks to Oxfam, a lot, for providing all of this."
Oxfam, with funding from ECHO, is engaged in the maintenance and rehabilitation of submersible pumps, water pipeline maintenance, hand pump maintenance and rehabilitation, Oxfam focused on building latrines, ensuring their upkeep, and raising awareness about hygiene practices.
Oxfam worked on setting up clean and safe toilets, making sure they stay in good condition, and teaching people about staying clean to avoid getting sick. Additionally, Oxfam provided hygiene kits containing items like soap, and sanitary pads to help people maintain their hygiene and prevent diseases.
Long queues often leave us waiting, and sometimes, we return home empty-handed, relying on our neighbors to quench our thirst."
Despite these improvements, challenges persisted. “The water supply falls considerably below the recommended standard of 50 liters per person per day, with individuals receiving only 15 liters per person per day”, Alem Gomera, PHE (Public Health Engineering) Assistant in Oxfam in Ethiopia lamented.
Birzaf also mentioned, "Long queues often leave us waiting, and sometimes, we return home empty-handed, relying on our neighbors to quench our thirst."
Birzaf's resilience is echoed across the camp, where Oxfam, with support from ECHO, continues its vital work. Hand-dug wells and latrine construction projects promise sustainable solutions, while hygiene education initiatives aim to instill lasting practices. Additionally, the provision of water treatment chemicals ensures the health benefits of clean water are maximized for the entire community.
Oxfam, In Tigray has maintained 405 handpumps serving over 281,000 people. In Aby-Addi town Oxfam has maintained, 30 hand pumps at water points, serving 9,000 people.
As she looks towards the future, Birzaf remains hopeful, but her longing for home is undiminished. "I was hopeful before, and I still am," she affirmed. "But my ultimate hope is to return to my home village."
