Water Well for Dry Zones

Access to clean water is a basic human right. While Myanmar has made significant strides to develop their nation, 17 million people still do not have access to clean water. Many rural regions in Myanmar, nicknamed the Dry Zone around Bagan, often suffer from 3-4 months of water shortages as droughts continue on every year. By constructing a water supply system, entire communities receive fresh water for the daily cooking, drinking, and washing.

From 2014 to 2020, Khiri Reach has received financial support from our partners of the Partnership for Positive Change program and individuals. Our Khiri Reach Ambassadors coordinated and involved into constructing 38 water wells in rural Myanmar. These basic yet vital wells, which include a pump and collection tank, provide clean water for entire villages in numerous poverty-stricken areas.

Before a well is built, we encourage the local community to set up a Water Committee to manage the well.  Traditionally in Myanmar, every village has its own committee and fund, so Khiri Reach’s program integrates smoothly into the affected areas. As all the key-players and decision-makers are involved every step of the way, we also advise them on how to save funds in case they need money to repair the well or maintain the pump, fix the collection tank, etc.

The Water Committee is taught how to determine appropriate rates from every person using the water well – the small surcharge (about $0.10 cents/100Kyats per family per day) is sufficient in maintaining the water works. Compare this with walking every day to the rivers, struggling to fetch a few liters of water back to their homes: the whole ordeal could take hours each day. 

In total, we have received and contributed 70,229 USD for water well construction in Myanmar.