Many thanks to Rotary Clubs of Bendigo South, Chelsea, Manningham City and Warrandyte Donvale with Box Hill Central who have each contributed $2,500 (totalling $12,500) to help fund the installation of an electric transformer to support Shurmo Borehole Water System, benefitting a total of 17,788 people with access to a safe, clean, affordable and sustainable water supply. Certainly, good news for Christmas!
Following a November 2025 E-WASH Field Monitoring visit to central Ethiopia with International Needs Australia and a meeting with the Shurmo Water Committee, the need was made known that the community could no longer cover the recurring expenses to operate a diesel generator, due to the rapidly rising cost of fuel.
This was forcing the community to discontinue use of the protected water system, a 180 meter deep borehole, water tank and 15 water points. As a result, households have reverted to use of unprotected and unsafe water sources, exposing residents, particularly women and children to heightened risks of waterborne diseases, poor hygiene and other related health challenges.
To ensure sustainable and uninterrupted access to safe water, the community proposed replacing the diesel-powered generator with an electric power system, 100kVA power transformer. The community has committed to contribute 30% of direct costs, demonstrating strong ownership and readiness to support the project. With our $12,500 contribution, the installation of an electric power transformer to support the Shurmo Borehole Water Supply System can now proceed ASAP.
Operation Toilets - we can't wait thanks our Rotary network for your support, as we continue the E-WASH project in Lemo and Ezha districts in central Ethiopia, in collaboration with International Needs Australia and their local lead partner BBBC. Well done team!
Learn more: wecantwait.org.au