The Project

Sumba, an island in the Indonesian archipelago, is one of the three poorest provinces in Indonesia. Having access to safe drinking water is the main challenge for the inhabitants: during the dry season, 60 to 70% of them hydrate with untreated water mainly from lakes. To make up for the lack of water sources, villagers have to travel tens of kilometres daily to find the water they need to live and cultivate. Children are often responsible for this vital task, at the expense of their education.

Since 2008, Solidari’Terre has been working with the Indonesian NGO YHS (Yayasan Harapan Sumba – Project Hope Sumba) to improve access to running and potable water and sanitation for islanders. Active since 2002, YHS is responsible for the construction of water tanks in order to filter and store water during the dry season. It is also responsible for the construction of dry toilets and acts to raise awareness of hygiene in the island’s hospitals and schools.

This project, in which we have been involved for more than 10 years, meets the primary needs of the population and is part of an environmental and sustainable approach. Each summer, a team of about 15 volunteers goes to the site to make water tanks and dry toilets.