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Water Means Life
In the mangrove forests of Satkhira, southern Bangladesh, water is both a gift and a curse.
When it’s clean and close to home, water means life.
But when it’s contaminated, it means sickness and disease. When it’s unpredictable, it means ruined crops and flooded homes. And when it’s a long, dangerous walk away, it means there's little time to spend on other things.
This is the reality for the Munda people, a marginalised ethnic group, living in the village of Bhetkhali – and, as climate change brings increasingly severe weather extremes, it's only getting worse.
The biggest issue that people in my community face is the lack of water
Debendranath Munda, community elder
“The saltwater intrusion is getting worse”
Community elder Debendranath has faced a lot over the years – including twice losing his home in cyclones. Now, his biggest challenge is the lack of clean water: sources are drying out in the intense heat, and those that remain are increasingly polluted.
“I have rashes on my hands and all over my body. It's itchy and I have sores.”
As a shrimp farmer, Chompa spends hours at a time standing in saltwater. The ponds people use for bathing and washing clothes are contaminated with runoff, causing many to suffer from skin conditions and even extensive hair loss.
“I have to walk 3km twice a day to get water”
The twice-daily trek robs Shyamoli, and women like her, of precious time they could spend working or with family. The road is dangerous, especially at night, and carrying heavy ten-litre jugs causes such severe back pain that she often can’t sleep.
The difference your group can make
We can't control the weather, but there’s one simple solution that can change its impacts for Bhetkhali.
A rainwater harvesting plant will provide people here with a reliable source of clean water – and with it, the power to transform their lives.
The technology is straightforward, sustainable, and, crucially, easy for local residents to maintain.
We know just how great an impact it can have, because we’ve already worked with the nearby community of Kholbari to install one there – and for people like Komola Munda, a mother and tailor who was elected as the plant’s caretaker, the difference it's made is huge.
I used to collect water from a pond. Almost everyone got a waterborne disease.
There have been lots of changes in our lives: medical expenses have decreased and we have more time. Since I now have time to work on my tailoring, I can earn a living.
With your group’s support, we’ll work with our local partner and the people of Bhetkhali to bring the same transformation here.
Together, we’ll build a rainwater harvesting plant, and train people in how to run and maintain it. We'll install climate-resilient taps and toilets, along with private bathing facilities for women. And we'll run hygiene awareness sessions, supporting people to develop good practices to stay healthy and well.
Fundraising resources
Use these resources to learn more about the difference clean water makes, and inspire your group to take part in our Water Means Life appeal this Christmas.