The effectiveness of gravity-fed water systems managed by local communities.

(Baonghean.vn) - While gravity-fed water systems in mountainous areas often deteriorate and break down after a short time, the system in Chi Khe commune is being well-maintained and utilized thanks to the self-management model of the local people..

In 2007, Lien Dinh village in Chi Khe commune received government investment to build a self-flowing water supply system with 9 community water tanks. Each tank is equipped with shut-off valves, a communal area, and bathrooms.

However, during use, due to the poor awareness of some residents, some equipment has been damaged. Furthermore, the water tanks lack a drainage system, causing wastewater to accumulate and creating unsanitary conditions. Especially during the hot season, people returning from work gather at the water tanks for bathing, washing clothes, etc., leading to jostling and crowding.

Based on this situation, the Party branch and the village management board held a meeting to find the most effective way to utilize water resources. The Party branch agreed that households should invest in installing a water supply system directly to their homes, which would reduce crowding and raise awareness of protecting the infrastructure, ensuring a hygienic water source. To implement this idea, the Party branch mobilized the people to contribute 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND per household.

Party branch secretary Vi Van Thiem of Trung Dinh village, Chi Khe commune, said: "In reality, with that amount of funding, it would be easier to mobilize support in the lowlands, but in our area, most people are still poor. It's not easy to explain and get people to understand and contribute. However, we went to each house to persuade them. Initially, people disagreed, citing 'we don't have money.' But when we explained the benefits of the water system with shut-off valves, similar to tap water, the people were very enthusiastic. Some households even contributed more than the initial estimated cost."

Public water tank in Yen Khe commune.

In just two months of 2011, nearly 100% of households had water pipes installed directly in their homes. Sharing about the success of this approach, Mr. Vi Van Thiem - Secretary of the Party branch of Trung Dinh village, Chi Khe commune, also said: "To use and manage the system well, the village has also established its own regulations. If any household uses water indiscriminately or damages the pipelines, they will be reminded, criticized in front of the village, and even subject to administrative penalties..."

Seeing the practical benefits, all households are working together to preserve and protect the water supply for their families."

Water flows naturally to each household.

Thanks to the gravity-fed water system, over 400 households in six villages—Nam Dinh, Lien Dinh, Trung Dinh, Son Khe, Tong Chai, and Bai Van—are always assured of access to clean water. Particularly, thanks to effective public awareness campaigns, the people have proactively used and maintained the system.

Mr. Lo Hong Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Chi Khe commune, said: "The six villages mentioned above have 415 households, and so far 403 households have had water supply systems installed directly to their homes. To ensure the project's effectiveness, the commune established a management board headed by the Vice Chairman, in coordination with the village heads as members. Thanks to effective public awareness campaigns, people's awareness of using the system is very high, and they work together to protect and repair the system when it is damaged..."

The model for managing and operating the gravity-fed water system in Chi Khe commune has received the participation of the local community, contributing to promoting the responsibility of each individual and household in managing and using the system. As a result, the gravity-fed water system here has always been effective, helping people to live stable lives with peace of mind.

Minh Hanh - Ba Hau

Con Cuong Radio