100 pc sanitation, pipeline water in 2 CHT villages
All 30 families in Uzanchhari and 40 in Dullonnya Marmapara village now use sanitary latrine.
"Our children now use sanitary toilet, soap for post defecation cleanliness, cut nails and wash hands before taking meal", said Aung Shi Khoi Marma, a youth at Dullonnya.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We earlier had to rush to nearby jungle for defecation, even at night and during rain. It was so painful".
Earlier, people of these villages suffered for want of inadequate supply of water for drinking and household use. They had to collect drinking water from far away Chharas (streams in hills), which took three to four hours a day.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Dr Jafar Ahmed Khan at a simple function held at Dollonnya village yesterday handed over documents of management of 'Water Supply Technology' to village people.
It is a success by NGOs that indigenous people now realise the importance of hygiene living, have changed their life and age old tradition, the DC said.
The water supply project was done by Green Hill, a local NGO under a Sustainable Safe Water Supply and Sanitation Programme', implemented with funds provided by the government and Water Aid Bangladesh (WAB).
Local Union Parishad Chairman Hla Mong and Green Hill Executive Director Mong Thoai Ching also addressed the function.
Safe water is supplied to houses through pipes from a reservoir in the two villages.
"Living in hygiene conditions has brought a major change in our life. I am now aware of diseases and getting fruitful results. It has reduced my expenses and saved time", said Aung Kla Taoma, a woman VDC (Village Development Committee) member.
The Green Hill has formed VDC at each village to mobilise villagers under the programme.
"Diseases like jaundice, malaria, viral fever and diarrhea have been reduced after introduction of safe water supply", said the Green Hill Executive Director. The NGO started working with the project in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in 1999.
"Their expense for treatment has also been reduces significantly as they now rarely fall sick ", he said.
Green Hill also conducts 'hygiene education campaign' at each village under its programme.