Following the 2010 earthquake, the environment was severely disrupted, leaving water sources contaminated or inaccessible. Empty water bottles littered the landscape, and the only available drinking water came from international donations.
That year, the Rotary District 7020 conference was held in Jamaica and everyone saw a Rotarian who walked everywhere carrying a bucket! That Rotarian was Fritz Pierre-Louis from Haiti. Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, Fritz researched water filtration systems. He adapted a water filter to fit a bucket, using it as a portable demonstration to garner support for his initiative through Rotary District 7020.
Later, during DG Jeremy Hurst’s visit to Léogâne, he and his wife Michelle sampled the filtered water served in wine glasses! Similarly, PDG Haresh Ramchandani participated in a water filter project and drank the filtered well water.
When PRIP Barry Rassin and his wife Esther visited Gonaives, they faced a water shortage. The Director of the CTE, responsible for Gonaïves’ water supply, was asked by the Assistant Governor at the time to specially activate the water system, two hours later the water turned on, allowing them to shower after a long journey. Having experienced the water issues in Haiti firsthand, in 2018 then President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin, was inspired to begin the HANWASH programme in Haiti.
From a bucket and a water filter, the HANWASH programme evolved to well systems which relied on local power to run the pump, to the Phase 1 addition of solar panels. The panels give approximately 6 hours of run time daily. Phase 2 aims to add battery backup systems at a cost of $80,000 to $120,000. Unfortunately, a setback occurred when USAID withdrew its battery funding support, however OREPA is working to fundraise for the project. Once the battery system is installed, water will be available 24/7, supplying potable water for up to 5,000 families!
In March ,a huge step forward was made with the inauguration of a new water point in Leogane. Broadcast live from Leogane and streamed out via Zoom, over 50 attended virtually, including HANWASH Chair Jeremy Hurst and several PDGs. In Leogane, Technical Director of OREPA Ouest Ing. Jacquard Desormaux, and other local dignitaries were in attendance in person.
Among the speakers was Champion District 5130 Representative Dan Balfe , Santa Rosa, CA, who spoke obo DG Kathy Flamson. Project leader Andre Wildaine emphasized the critical role of the technical team in planning and implementation. All contracts are signed and currently being fulfilled. DINEPA selected communes near strong clubs, including Cavaillon and five other communes, for the project.
The new well in Leogane marks another major step forward in HANWASH’s audacious goal of providing potable water for the entire nation of Haiti.
START SMALL…DREAM BIG
Credit: Written by Fritz Pierre-Louis and Sheila Bethel
