The clean water issues and hardships facing community members
In the past, Ban Huai Chang Thaeng Community in Chat Trakan District, Phitsanulok Province faced clean water issues that hindered their quality of life, especially during the dry season when water for agriculture and consumption was severely scarce. Winadda Saengchan, the assistant village head, describes the situation: “The main problem was drought. There was not enough water for the fields and no clean water for consumption. Villagers had to travel to other villages to get drinking water from vending machines or buy drinking water at high prices, which caused a lot of hardship during that time.”
Additionally, the existing water sources faced quality issues, with limestone contamination. As a result, some households had to resort to collecting rainwater for consumption, but it was still insufficient to meet their long-term needs.
The support from World Vision Thailand marks the beginning of change.
Two years ago, World Vision Thailand came to assist the community by supporting the repair of the broken water filtration system, making it functional again. Somchit Netthip, the village head, reveals, “Previously, we had a water filtration system, but it was broken and could not be repaired due to a lack of budget in our community. World Vision Thailand supported the repair of the water filtration system until it was operational, helping the villagers have clean water for drinking and daily use.”
Currently, the community has a clean water service point that provides water at the price of 4 litres per 1 baht. The revenue from water sales is used for system maintenance, such as replacing filter media, repairing water filters, and maintaining heavily used water pumps.
Sustainable improved quality of life
The clean water project has brought significant changes to people in Chat Trakan. Currently, 130 households, or 537 people, benefit from this project in terms of better health and convenient access to clean water.
Village Head Somchit also says: “The revenue from water sales is managed by the community committee to ensure the sustainability of the water filtration system. The support from World Vision Thailand has truly elevated the villagers’ quality of life, enhancing educational opportunities, livelihoods, and health development.”
The Water and Sanitation Improvement Initiative in Chat Trakan Project is an example that demonstrates the power of collaboration between the community and a non-governmental organisation like World Vision Thailand. The support not only helps address the issue of clean water scarcity but also enhances the health and well-being of the villagers in the long term.
This community in Chat Trakan has proven that having a sustainable system and good management can lead to tangible positive changes and serve as an inspiration for other communities seeking to improve the quality of life for people in their areas.
