Haiti has long struggled with water scarcity, a crisis that affects millions of its citizens daily. Access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet for many Haitians, securing this necessity is a daily challenge. In rural communities like Pignon, home to over 43,000 people, the lack of reliable water sources has led to health risks, economic struggles, and an overall decrease in quality of life.
Haiti’s water crisis is driven by several factors, including deforestation, inadequate infrastructure, and contamination of existing water sources. Without sustainable solutions, communities are forced to rely on unsafe water, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Women and children often bear the brunt of this crisis, spending hours each day fetching water instead of attending school or earning a living.
Rotary Club of Pignon, District 6940 and Hanwash
In 2022, an MOU was signed between the club, Rotary District 6940 and Hanwash, which made their partnership official, after two years. The Pignon Rotary Club had been actively working to improve accessibility to clean water in their commune for several years. Focus was initially on identifying and repairing leaks and illegal connections to the city’s water network, this agreement made it possible to expand and enhance the work already begun. USAID-Eau provided meters and other equipment to enable the creation of 16 metered areas in Pignon, these have led to a major reduction in water leakage rates and more efficient system repairs. The Pignon Club has also attended several training sessions to ensure they are well versed in best practices in detecting water leakage, and water quality testing.
A hand pump well, drilled by the club, has been transformed into a solar pump well with a kiosk built on the side by World Vision. Previously fueled by diesel, which was not always readily available, the cost of operating the water system will be reduced, making it more sustainable. Also, the new well has enabled the use of dual fawcetts, speeding up the collection proces for residents, who previously sometimes had to wait in long lines to collect water. Residents in the area regularly pay a small amount for the water, which goes toward upkeep. Payment for services is one of the core principles of the HANWASH program. It is also a guarantee for proper management and sustainability of a water system. Measurement of the amount of water used by a household or sector is done by meters.
The Impact on Pignon
The work being done by these partners is already showing promise in Pignon. With improved access to clean water, families can focus on their education, businesses can thrive, and healthcare outcomes improve dramatically. The ripple effect of clean water extends beyond basic survival—it fosters growth, resilience, and economic empowerment.
Access to clean water should not be a privilege, but a right for all. Thanks to the efforts of Rotary and Hanwash and their partners, the people of Pignon are moving closer to a future where water scarcity is no longer a daily struggle. With continued collaboration and support, this vision can become a reality not just for Pignon, but for communities across Haiti.
Checking for water leaks in Pignon