Quote: “The kids of our village were repeatedly falling sick during monsoons and the lack of knowledge about infrastructure was aggravating the problem.”
In the small village of Khari, Gujarat, a water crisis was unfolding. Inadequate supply, poor quality, & widespread wastage plagued the community. Children fell ill during monsoons, & women spent hours fetching questionable water. The failing infrastructure & lack of community know-how exacerbated the problem.
Recognizing the severity, WASMO & CSPC intervened with a dual strategy: improve infrastructure & empower the community through an extensive SBCC campaign. They identified potential leaders, finding a champion in Mehta Gitaben Punabhai, a 58-year-old housekeeper passionate about improving the village’s water situation.
CSPC provided comprehensive training to Gitaben & others on water quality testing, conservation, & infrastructure maintenance. Gitaben mastered TDS meters & inline chlorinators, crucial for preventing waterborne diseases. She used her knowledge to raise awareness & promote water tax payment for sustainable supply.
The impact was transformative. New taps & valves reduced wastage, while the inline chlorinator decreased waterborne diseases, especially among children during monsoons. The community’s understanding of water quality & conservation improved, leading to more responsible usage. Most remarkably, this initiative changed Khari’s social dynamics. Gitaben, once known simply as a housekeeper, became a respected community leader. Her journey exemplifies how knowledge & dedication can drive profound social change