BKG Water Solutions - an ICL business unit - continues to support CARE program in the Horn of Africa

Due to the most severe drought in 60 years, hundreds of thousands of people had to leave their homes in the Horn of Africa in summer 2011. Despite worldwide attention and media coverage, the situation has not improved considerably. In the light of slim chances of repatriation for the Somali refugees and ongoing security threats, lifesaving assistance needs to go on. People who found shelter in Dadaab still depend on continuous aid by the UNHCR, the Kenyan government and international aid organizations.

“Water is the essence of life and human dignity and the situation in the Horn of Africa is far from being solved” said Jordi Verdés, Business Director of BKG Water Solutions, “so in this context it is a natural choice for us to continue to join CARE’s efforts in increasing access to clean water and constructing systems for water sanitation in the refugee camps through the WASH program” he continues.

WASH program – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

The aim of CARE’s WASH program is to provide safe water and to reduce the health risks of water-related diseases. Projects also include educating people about good hygiene practice, which reduces the risk of illnesses. From August 2011 up to July 2012 with the support of BKG Water Solutions, CARE has been able to complete the following activities:

• Construction of 13 school water tank platforms using masonry structures
• Construction of 8-stance boys and 10-stance girls latrines at the new Wadajir Pri school in Dagahaley
• Fencing of six dumpsites in Dagahaley camp and six dumpsites in IFO camp
• Construction of seven water treatment tank platforms in IFO camp
• Seven Water Refugee water quality monitors were trained on water quality monitoring
• Construction of five tap stands in Hagadera camp
• Pipeline extension of 234 meters in Hagadera camp

One year on, with the help of BKG Water Solutions, CARE can consolidate its WASH activities in Dadaab, e.g. replace old and low-yielding boreholes, construct 150 m³ elevated water tanks, extend the water pipe network, hygiene promotion and education.

More information and video from CARE about the Horn of Africa food and poverty crisis in Dadaab.

Click here to read the full article: 2012-12-18 Press release BKGWS continues to support CARE in Africa