Over the last few decades there has been progress in making clean water available to all, but there is still a significant deficit. Approximately 800 million people still lack access to even a basic drinking water service and globally at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces (World Health Organization, 2019). The cycle of poverty cannot be broken without clean water that is easily reached – not only are disease and even death rampant due to the lack of clean water but also education and the advancement of women and children are impacted (as they are spending so much time in obtaining water).

In Cambodia, approximately 4 million people lack access to safe water – 25% of the entire population. In rural areas this is evident. There is no piped waters and wells are relied upon – and if these don’t exist – usage is dependant villagers carrying heavy buckets of questionable water over long distances. Thereby impacting their health, ability to earn a living and schooling.

As sickness (frequently caused by unsafe drinking water) equates to medical expenses and loss of income, Operation Hope Foundation focuses on making clean water accessible for people in Cambodia. OHF builds air-lift pumps wells for poor villagers in Prey Veng. As water levels have started falling, hand-pumps no longer work well, so we have implemented the hydraulic air-lift pump that utilizes compressed air to raise the water (along with a small generator to provide the power).

OHF does not contract out the installation of the well, rather has its own drilling rig, vehicle and trained staff. The direct control enables lower cost and quality assurance. The project is not just about drilling a hole and installing the pump, but to also, as with our other programmes, to identify the right beneficiaries. A survey and set of interviews is undertaken to ensure that the well is gifted to the families that need it most.

In addition to providing wells, we install UV Safe Drinking Water Systems for schools in Cambodia. One system can provide students and teachers – as well as their families – with safe water to drink. The system supports the entire community. Read more about the UV Water System here.