The Dry Zone is the most water stressed region of the country. Approximately 43% of households in the region live in poverty and it is one of the most food insecure areas in the country. It spreads across three divisions—Sagaing, Mandalay and Magwe. As most of local depends on agricultural farming, the dry spell in the area affects the livelihood and food security.
In 2012, more than 150,000 native Muslim (Rohingya) fled to rural area in Sittwe Township away from the communal violence. They have been living in the squalid conditions until now and it is at the lowest point to date. Water and sanitation conditions are one of the highest needs in the camp area. The water ration is 200 people per one handpump.
BHF has installed 177 hand pumps to support the need of dry zone and IDP camps. For water and sanitation, BHF has set out to provide
- Access to sustainable clean water supply:
- water wells
- gravity-enabled water distribution system in the village
- Clean Drinking water purification station
- Sanitation and hygiene promotion
- Latrine construction
- Hygiene promotion: school children and open defecation
