Community Wells and Public Sanitation
Beyond providing access to clean water through community and school wells, our initiative establishes comprehensive public sanitation facilities. These units are equipped with toilets, hand-washing stations, and shower facilities, creating a vital barrier against the transmission of waterborne and hygiene-related diseases. This integrated approach is fundamental to fostering sustainable public health.
True to our community-led model, local residents assume ownership of these new facilities. Our qualified local staff provide essential training in proper hygiene practices and facility maintenance. However, the long-term operation and oversight remain the responsibility of the community itself, ensuring the utility’s sustainability and aligning with local needs and capabilities.
Our integrated approach to community development recognizes that access to clean water is only one part of the public health equation. Therefore, we construct and commission comprehensive public sanitation blocks in tandem with drilling vital drinking water wells for communities and schools. These facilities are equipped with gender-separated toilets, dedicated hand-washing stations, and private shower areas, forming a complete hygiene ecosystem.
This holistic infrastructure serves as a critical frontline defense against the spread of waterborne and hygiene-related illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. By providing the means for safe sanitation and personal cleanliness, we directly disrupt the cycle of contamination that often plagues underserved regions. This is not merely an addition to our water work; it is a fundamental pillar in establishing a foundation of robust and sustainable public health, reducing community disease burden, and enhancing overall dignity and well-being.
Central to the longevity of this initiative is our commitment to community ownership. The process begins from the outset; as the wells are drilled, we engage community leaders and members in planning for the concurrent sanitation facilities. This fosters a sense of shared investment from day one. To ensure these new utilities are used effectively and maintained properly, our team of locally-based, qualified professionals provides extensive training. This education covers crucial topics—from proper handwashing techniques and waste management to the routine maintenance of plumbing and fixtures.
However, our role is that of a facilitator and trainer. The ultimate responsibility for the day-to-day operation, management, and upkeep of these utilities is vested in the community itself. Through the establishment of local water and sanitation committees, community members take full ownership, overseeing everything from minor repairs to cleaning schedules. This empowerment model ensures that the facilities are not just temporary gifts but become permanent, valued assets that the community is equipped and proud to sustain for generations to come, securing a lasting return on investment.
Our wells bring clean water to 50-150 households in remote Ethiopian communities. This directly prevents waterborne diseases like typhoid, freeing children to pursue education and allowing families to achieve self-sufficiency and participate in local economic development.
- Soil Preparation
- Planting/Sowing
- Irrigation & Water Management
- Nutrient Management
- Weed, Pest, and Disease Control
- Harvesting
- Primary Processing
Help us make a difference
Our wells bring clean water to 50-150 households in remote Ethiopian communities. This directly prevents waterborne diseases like typhoid, freeing children to pursue education and allowing families to achieve self-sufficiency and participate in local economic development.
Proud owners of new wells
For over 18 years, The Well in Action (TWA) has partnered with communities in Tigray and Oromia, installing dozens of modern wells in schools and villages. We collaborate with local leaders to identify needs, and each community becomes the proud owner of its new well. A local water committee is established to manage fair distribution and oversee long-term maintenance, ensuring sustainable access for all.




