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What does a village chief want to pass along to the next generation?

In his southern Madagascar village, access to safe and clean drinking water had been a challenge for decades. Now that the water system is built, the village chief is taking the lead in ensuring that it is available for future genreations.

Lohapily, 55, is a head of a family of eleven and is the village chief for over 370 households with over 1110 villagers. As the leader he works hard to ensure his community has what is needed to thrive. For a long time, this area struggled to access clean and safe drinking water.

Village leader Lohapily collects water from a reservoir that Medair established in their village.

“For over two decades leading the village, access to safe and clean drinking water has been our biggest and longest challenge. I, along with other village leaders, expressed our concern to the mayor of our town,” Lohapily says.

He continues, “After Medair visited our village to assess our situation, within six days, our village already has access to clean and safe drinking water.”

The villagers are delighted that their request was answered!

“We commit to taking care of it. We will do our best to make sure that this water facility will be passed on and enjoyed by the next generation,” he continues. “I grow up and get old in search of clean water. I don’t want the children of my children to experience the same struggles,” Lohapily says.

To ensure the maintenance of the facility to avoid failures and breakdowns, the community has set rules and created a water management committee.

“Each household is allowed to get a bucket of water every day, but we add 20 litres more for a family with a newborn baby. Each family member pays 100 Ariary (USD 0.022) per water container for the maintenance of the facility,” he adds.

“I feel relieved that elderly people have something to pass onto the next generation and that our needs are being heard and acted upon,” Lohapily ends.

Villagers pose for the camera taken in one of the meetings that talk about the maintenance of the reservoir.

Village leader Lohapily welcomes Medair staff members in his village.

“For over two decades leading the village, access to safe and clean drinking water has been our biggest and longest challenge. I, along with other village leaders, expressed our concern to the mayor of our town,” Village leader Lohapily says.

 


This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.

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