Clean Water for Peace and Development in Tigray

In the rural region of Tigray in northern Ethiopia, access to clean drinking water remains a major challenge after years of armed conflict, destruction, and drought. This is precisely where the WasserStiftung’s project comes in: Together with the local partner organization REST, water infrastructure is being restored, local WASH structures are being strengthened, and communities are being empowered to secure their own water supply in the long term.

The example of the village of Seguh represents 600 other water points

A particularly striking example is the success story from Seguh. There, a shallow well built about two decades ago was restored to working order through a major maintenance project. For about 300 people, this now means safe and accessible clean water – after a long period during which an unprotected and contaminated water source was their only option.

Before the repair, the burden was enormous: women and girls had to fetch water over long distances, often under difficult and health-risky conditions. “This water source was our only one until now, but it was dangerous,” says 60-year-old Lieliti Kidanemariam, describing the difficult conditions.

Frewoini Tewelay, 16, is also glad that her day is no longer dominated by a long, exhausting trek for water. The fully functional well represents relief, safety, and new prospects.

At the same time, the community is demonstrating that sustainability does not end with technical reconstruction. They have already saved 60,000 birr for the well’s future maintenance. This is a sign that the villagers are taking responsibility to ensure that the water supply remains reliable in the long term.

The project progress achieved through July 2026 demonstrates the breadth of its impact:

300 water points have been rehabilitated, including 290 shallow wells and 10 hand-dug wells.

• 66,342 people have regained access to safe drinking water.
• 300 WASH committees were established or reactivated.
• 2,067 WASHCO members were trained, including 1,166 women.
• 300 committees received toolkits as well as operation and hygiene manuals.
• Spare parts shops were set up in 12 of 13 woredas; five of them are already in permanent operation.
• Over 13,000 households and more than 12,000 students were reached through hygiene and WASH initiatives.

The project will run from 2025 to 2027 and aims to restore the water infrastructure in Tigray for 200,000 people. The overall aim is to repair 600 water points, strengthen 600 WASH committees and expand cooperation with local authorities, so that water is not only available but also sustainably safe and well managed.