Who: Prodont Mondol
Location: Oraburia Village, Rampal Union Parishad, Rampal Upazila, Bagerhat District.
Occupation: agriculture worker
Age: 46
My family has been living here for over 100 years. My father, his father, his father and his. My father died when I was 16. I became responsible for all of the family, so I left school and went to work in agriculture, mostly rice paddy and fish culture. I still do. I have three brothers and one sister. My sister lives in Khulna and my brothers are still here. One lives with me.
The piped water supply faucet was installed here five months ago.
Actually we did not expect that water supply could come here. It was a real surprise to see. Because before we used to collect water from Jholmuria Digi pond. It was a 6km return journey including a river crossing. The women would go there twice a day; once in the morning and again at night.
I remember when the community organisers came here about one year ago, about seven months before installation. Some people then were not interested, but after seeing the benefits, seeing it is possible they became keen and now most have access. Four families use this faucet.
Now we have less anxiety “Where will we find water, when will I have time, I have to work I need to eat”. I am also pleased with the water quality and our health. Before I used to have to use gas tablets for acidity but now it is not necessary. I have to admit the rainwater is very sweet, it tastes better than groundwater. It’s God’s gift.
I have two sons aged 15 and 11. They are outside playing cricket. I hope for my kids to finish education and work in a service position.
Case study collected by Communications Officer, HYSAWA. April 2011.