Story from Neil Van Dine, Country Director
Our latest story happens in the 3rd communal section of Woche Plat, in the commune of Trou du Nord, an area covered by Haiti Outreach’s 100 Well Project in the NorthEast Dept. of Haiti. Here, Haiti Outreach animator Rose Carmelle Pierre was testing a water point in the countryside, as part of our regular data collection process, when she was approached by a man named Titon. Titon was on his way home from his garden and stopped out of curiosity to ask what Rose Carmelle was doing. She explained the the test was part of Haiti Outreach’s initial survey of the area, identifying water points and their corresponding quality (potability). She spoke about how this information is documented with maps and how Haiti Outreach works with DINEPA (the national water agency) and the mayors to create managed wells: managed wells that the community cares for, creating budgets, and building latrines so that they become a “clean community”.
Titon was so shocked and intrigued by the idea of having a managed water supply that he followed Rose Carmelle to the next three water points she tested, asking questions along the way. By the time they reached the third point, Titon said out loud “This stuff you are talking about must be a dream, because I’ve never heard any government person talk about “managed water”.
He was so excited, he requested the animator come to his village and publicize this effort there, which Rose Carmelle was happy to setup. She scheduled a visit to his village and spoke openly about the Haiti Outreach program, its impact with other communities, and the difference it could make in theirs. The community of Juchero is now actively participating in the “100 Well Project” with 5 community members in our current program.
