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Ethiopia

A project of the foundation “Antonia Ruut“ in cooperation with the constructed wetlands of Janisch & Schulz.

In the rural regions of Ethiopia, these ponds are usually the only sources of water

A new solar-powered fountain, a cistern and a kiosk provide water for an entire region

The “Antonia Ruut” foundation from Trier started an exemplary project in Afto, located 180km southeast of the capital Addis Abeba, which supplied portable water to the region and improved its hygienic conditions. The main problem of the project was not the fact that they had to bore a well in Ethiopia, but that the water had to be managed in a sustainable way and a lasting supply had to be ensured.

Drinking water supply system in Ethiopia consists of:

  1. A deep well with a pump
  2. Photovoltaic modules to power the system
  3. A cistern with a capacity of up to 5,000 litres

The solar energy is not stored in batteries but is consumed immediately. Thus, the maximum promotional volume is reached at noon. At night, the pump is standing still, so that the water level of the well can rise again after it dropped during the day.

The complex is maintained by a local organization. The funds raised by the sale of drinking water are dedicated to the upkeep of the system. In Ethiopia, the water price is fixed by the state. Therefore, the water is affordable for the local population.

Waiting for the distribution of the portable water

The drinking water is transported by donkeys

In order to enhance the hygiene standard in Afto, two round houses have been built:
A washhouse to do the laundry and to take a shower plus a lavatory. In the centre of both houses, a wetland has been constructed to purify the dirty water.

The water cycle in Afto:

The water cycle in Afto

Showers, sinks and toilets – A lavatory in Ethiopia in the shape of a round house

In the centre of the washhouse, there is a constructed wetland