Grande Saline recently experienced heavy rains and devastating flooding. The river water, contaminated with human, animal, and agricultural waste overflowed into the surrounding areas. Some residents are dealing with the loss of homes and property, and the flood waters made any kind of local travel very difficult. Importantly, the rising waters also posed a serious threat to the health of the entire community.
The floodwaters contain harmful bacteria and quickly become a dangerous source of water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. In this community where safe drinking water is already scarce, this is a life-threatening crisis. At times like this, the water filtration system that makes the river water safe to drink is not just beneficial, it is critical.
Says Pastor Berlando, “In this difficult time that the community is going through, the only way they have to fight disease is through the water system. The river is polluted and dangerous to health. Despite the fact that the area is flooded, people are moving in droves to seek good and safe water from the system.”
Health for Haiti believes that access to safe water is a fundamental human right. And while it may often feel like there is not much we can do for our friends in Haiti, supporting the water filtration system is a way to improve the well-being of the community.
As the flood waters recede and the children are able to return to school, we are proud to make this investment in health. Safe drinking water saves live, empowers communities, and for the past ten years has built a foundation for long-term health, education, and opportunity.
Thank you to all of the donors who make this project possible, we are grateful for your support!
