HYT has undertaken an exciting new venture in the world’s second largest refugee settlement. During our 2019 partnership with Mercy Corps it became clear there was a huge need to increase water access and security. Despite the area receiving 9 months of heavy rain a year, residents struggle for water. The mains supply provides a couple hours of water each day delivered from shared taps.

Rainwater harvesting has huge potential to improve access to water. A single HYT rainwater harvesting system in Bidi Bidi can supply up to 240,000 litres of safe water per year.

HYT’s water tanks made using Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks (ISSB) are particularly important as they are made locally, more durable and cost effective than available alternatives.

Working closely with the government, UNHCR and NGO partners; HYT identified 7 schools and 3 hospitals in the settlement in urgent need of rainwater harvesting. The UNHCR and government have been extremely helpful and interested in the implementation of this project.

Using our tested train as you build methodology, HYT has employed 10 new trainees to learn the ins and outs of tank construction. Many of the new trainees have experience building simple structures in the settlement and took to the work very well. In addition, our refugee graduates from the 2019 Mercy Corps training are going from strength to strength and will be snapping up management positions soon.

Once finished the tanks will service over 22,000 teachers, students, doctors, nurses and patients.