Helping the Local Community with Water Supplies.
The drought of 1997 was severe. Statistically, it is the worst drought of this century, including the dry spells in 1916, 1944, 1970 and 1983. This drought started as early as April (1997) in some places in the Eastern Highlands Province and became widespread in about July.During a meeting between the staff of ATprojects and Barbara and Michael Howell (Faith Mission) the water supply needs of the people of Guasa area were discussed. It was agreed that ATprojects would work with the Faith Mission to develop a project to assist this people of perhaps one of the remotest areas of Eastern Highlands Province.

The Guasa area is located in the Lufa District and, while the district headquarters has all-weather road access, much of the District is accessible only by bush tracks or airplane. The Lufa district is typical of the Eastern Highlands in that the majority of its people are subsistence farmers. While there is no accurate information available, it would be fair to say that the people of Lufa District and in particular the Guasa area are likely to be some of the poorest in the province.

Given the remoteness of the area and the lack of road access, there has been little economic development and, apart from missionary workers, few outsiders visit the area. People of the area live in small communities with villages built on the top of mountain ridges. Drinking water is obtained from small streams that are generally located in the valleys below the settlements.

These water supplies have been categorized by the local people over many years as being drinkable or undrinkable. The distinction between good and bad water, however, is usually based on a visual inspection. While there are some cases where the people have stopped using water because possible pollution problems have been identified (in one case because a dead man was buried on ground immediately above the source of the water), this practice is still not common.

While statistics are not available, information obtained from one Aid Post in the area has indicated that three children have recently died from diarrhea/dehydration. The general opinion amongst village leaders, health and community workers, and mission staff is that it is important for the development of the area that clean drinking water is made available to these small communities. And to this end the community is willing to donate whatever resources are available to them. The project objective was, with the support of the Faith Mission, to install a 9,000 litre Tuffa Water Tank at each of 7 community sites in the project area. The following is a pictorial record of the project.

Unloading the Helicopter in Guasa. This "Helipad" was cut out of the bush for this project	At the school all the materials were packed and made ready for the Helicopter.	Helicopter loading cement.

The materials were transported into Guasa by Helicopter.	Helicopter lifting off with a tank.	Up,Up and away!

The end result of all this hard work...	A tank at the Guasa SDA Church.

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