Piseth

by Mr. Ieng Somonea, ADRA Food Security and  Mr. Bouy Kim Sreang, Department of Training and Research (MRD)

SODIS is a simple water treatment technology, which functions without electricity, running water, moving parts, or any other added inputs. Methodologically, it is developed using local materials and plastic bottles which are available in communities. It is developed for household use and provides safe drinking water for community beneficiaries.

SODIS in Cambodia

In Cambodia it started in 2004 (one year project) with 200 household in Preah Vihea province as pilot project (Phase 1). Its second phase (one year project) was in Siem Reap and Kamong Thom provinces with 4.000 households. And the third phase is in only Siem Reap, especially Peri-urban area (one year project).

SODIS Key Finding

Capacity of SOIDS markedly increased as a result of the trainings and meetings. The access to safe water from SODIS is perceived to reduce incidents of water born diseases.

CCs and VLs played important role in mediating and promoting communities to participation, contribution and information dissemination on SODIS, while PTs and LPs were facilitating local community participation through consultations, meetings. Many respondents believe that SODIS can be effectively used in dry season due to great level of sun light, but not rainy season. The SODIS methodology can be used with many different water sources as long as it is clear enough, no toxic substances.

Benefits of SODIS to community beneficiaries

According to respondents, water borne diseases are reducing such as diarrhea, stomachache, vomiting, and skin infections. They even believe that water from SODIS is safe and clean. With SODIS the resource depletion is reduced such as cutting or collecting fuel wood from the forest. 60% of respondents save money (from 0.00 up to $5.10 per month) by not buying fuel wood, and 60% of respondents save times (from 0.00 up to 17:00 hours) by not boiling water before consumption. 57% of respondents save fuel wood (from 0.10 up to 1.10 cubic meters per month).

SODIS Challenges

Some people still do not trust completely, as they are not sure the water from SODIS is safe (even dry and raining season). It is also hard to convince them due to their habits. 34% of responses stated that they always boil water. Insufficience of clean and clear bottles (in both rural and peri-urban areas) is one of the challenges for the project. In addition to the above mention, there is also limitation of following up activities at the household and community level, and selection of SODIS users is not paid much attention. Capacity of LPs and community beneficiaries in use and maintenance of SODIS are insuffient.

SODIS sustainability

However, SODIS sustainability is still problematic as a result of keeping bottles, numbers of bottles provided less than demands due to lack of follow up activities. 50% of respondents did not know what kind of bottle they need to use for SODIS (interviewing result). To ensure sustainability, we need to build capacity of VLs and community beneficiaries in use and maintain SODIS, and incentives program for LPs and Vls need to set up and perform effectively. In addition to these a regularly follow up activities need to take action.

Further assistance includes training on importance of clean and clear water to health needs to increase. The clean and clear bottles for exposing water at least 10 bottles per families need to be distributed. The coordination between SODIS project staff and local authorities needs to strengthen. SODIS project officers need to do supervision TPs and LPs regularly. SODIS users should be selected carefully based on their demand and willingness to contribute and use.

Conclusion

SODIS methodology is more active and better use in peri-urban than rural area. It is an appropriate option for potable water if education and bottle supply issues are worked out. It worked well for pro-poor with very little income and the forest area is very far away.