Drinking water distribution networks for two camps for displaced persons
Throughout our various projects in Ethiopia, we have consistently been struck by the difficulty tribal populations face in accessing drinking water . Therefore, we have decided to focus our new project on this sector.
On the border between Ethiopia and Kenya , this semi-arid region is home to the Dassanesh tribe. The Omo River , which flows into Lake Turkana, has undergone significant changes in recent years due to the construction of a series of dams upstream. These hydroelectric projects have disrupted the river's natural flow, causing uncontrollable floods each year that devastate villages , livestock, and existing infrastructure.
Adding to this already precarious situation, the semi-arid region we support through our actions is notably affected by prolonged droughts . It therefore suffers from significant water stress, which we aim to alleviate through two drinking water distribution networks that we propose to implement as part of this project.
The Dassanesh population targeted by this project are communities displaced by floods and now refugees in the camps named Kelem and Arikole. With 12,000 and 6,000 displaced people respectively, these camps are located approximately 15 kilometers from Omoraté , the ancestral village of the Dassanesh tribe.
Project progress
August 2026
Arrival of HDPE pipes
The first batch of equipment arrived in Omorate from the capital, Addis Ababa. This consists of 2.4 kilometers of HDPE pipe that will connect the flooded area to the Kelem camp. The pump and solar power system will arrive later.
2026
Construction of a distribution network for the Kelem camp
A solution has been found in consultation with the government engineer, who has been in contact with the authorities since the drilling failed in 2025. Water will be pumped from the flooded areas southeast of the camp and transported 2.4 kilometers to a water distribution point, all powered by solar panels.
May 2025
Implementation of an alternative system for one of the camps
Following discussions with our partner NGO on this project after negative water test results, we implemented a pump and filtration system to connect flooded areas to one of the displacement camps (Arikole) using expandable pipes. This system involves both physical filtration and chemical disinfection. This temporary system provides the camp's residents with access to drinking water while a long-term solution is being developed. However, this system is not applicable to the Kelem camp, for which we are exploring alternative solutions.
March 2025
Analysis results
After analysis by Arba Minch University, the water found was unfortunately found to be too salty and alkaline, making it unfit for consumption. This is likely due to saltwater infiltration from Lake Turkana. We are currently investigating a solution to still provide these communities with safe drinking water.
February 2025
Drilling
In partnership with a Kenyan NGO, drilling equipment arrived and began drilling. Water was found at the expected depth, and the flow rate is good. Water quality tests are currently underway to verify the absence of heavy metals or any other contamination that could render the water unsafe for consumption.
January 2025
Field confirmation
Present on site to monitor the project during this critical phase of drilling, 2 members of For Equity conducted field studies with the hydrogeologists on site. In particular, they carried out electrical conductivity tests to confirm the presence of water at the selected point as well as determine the depth of the drilling to be carried out.
Fall 2024
Hydrogeological analysis
Although arid, this site is located in an alluvial zone. We have therefore refined the position and the exact depth of the renewable water table thanks to the support of the company RTI Exploration, a specialist in the remote detection of the latter.
Summer 2024
Birth of the project
On a mission to Ethiopia in April 2024 to inaugurate the operating block in Omorate and define future projects, the members of For Equity witnessed the difficulty of accessing water in the region. It was therefore decided that the 2024 project would be the construction of 2 drinking water distribution networks for two refugee camps, Kelem and Arikole, in partnership with a Kenyan NGO.
