Revolutionizing Water Access in Tana Mbanas: A Comprehensive Ferrocement Solution for Sustainable Development.
Empowering Ultra-Rural Communities Through Advanced Water Reservoirs and Rainwater Harvesting Systems: A Health and Social Revolution.
Greetings, this is Alex from Fair Future. Together with our strategic partners, Kawan Baik, we are revolutionizing the way communities in the ultra-rural region of Tana Mbanas access clean water. Our groundbreaking initiative aims to build two state-of-the-art ferrocement water reservoirs, each with a 10 cubic meter capacity, totaling 20 cubic meters.
The Technical Virtues of Ferrocement
Wondering why ferrocement is the construction material of choice? The answer lies in its unique attributes, which make it ideal for isolated and resource-scarce regions like Southeast Indonesia:
- Cost-Effectiveness: The construction materials are primarily locally sourced, drastically reducing the overall costs without compromising on quality.
- Durability: Ferrocement is resilient against extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and earthquakes.
- Rapid Construction: The straightforward construction process enables quick assembly, which is crucial for areas in dire need of immediate water access.
- Skill Transfer: The simplicity of ferrocement technology enables community members to easily grasp the construction techniques, fostering a culture of self-reliance.
- Design Versatility: Its structural flexibility permits customization of shape and size to meet specific project objectives.
Ferrocement is not just a construction methodology; it’s a transformational tool that redefines life in Tana Mbanas. We’re not merely constructing reservoirs; we’re erecting lifelines. Access to clean water isn’t a luxury; it’s a human right—and we’re making that right universally accessible. Alex Wettstein, Fair Future Foundation
The Ingenuity of Rainwater Harvesting
Our innovation lies in utilizing the local church’s rooftop for rainwater collection, followed by a multi-stage filtration system to ensure the water’s potability. This creative approach addresses the long dry seasons common in this region, which often exceed eight months per year.
Tangible Health and Social Benefits
Access to filtered water is revolutionary for Tana Mbanas, especially for families with young children. It substantially lowers the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. A clean water supply also leads to improved personal hygiene, resulting in lower rates of skin and eye infections. Children are less likely to miss school due to illness, thereby enhancing educational outcomes.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Sustainable Development
Ferrocement has long been a staple in Fair Future’s sustainable initiatives. Its affordability, resilience, and health advantages make this project not just innovative but life-altering for the people of this arid region.
Your generous contributions make this transformative work possible. We are excited to update you on this project and other critical initiatives. Stay connected to witness the profound impact of collective action.
For Further Reading: Dive into all the articles and publications under our WaterConnections program here. Visit our Instagram account for an illustrative photo gallery of our extraordinary efforts.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu, September 27th, 2023.
Living without clean water in East Sumba is more than an inconvenience: it’s a health and education hazard. Families are exposed to diseases like diarrhea and cholera, and young girls often sacrifice their schooling to fetch water, a task made even more complicated when they are menstruating.
At Fair Future, we’re transforming this challenging reality. We’re changing the game on multiple fronts by providing clean water closer to homes. Exhausting treks under the hot sun become a thing of the past, freeing up time for mothers to work and boost the local economy. Young girls can return to school and look forward to a brighter future. Most importantly, the risk of diseases decreases significantly, allowing children to grow up healthy and easing parents’ anxiety.
But we don’t stop at water. Our mission encompasses education, well-being, and economic development. What we offer is much more than a vital resource; it’s dignity, opportunity, and a more promising future for an entire community.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we do much more than provide water; we transform lives.
