Bringing water within reach of a remote community

Safe drinking water is only a few steps away for over 359 residents of Khodasheni, a remote community in Kakheti region, after the rehabilitation of their irrigation system with support from World Vision Georgia.

In the past, community residents traveled between one and two kilometers down a water source to retrieve water. World Vision tapped a natural spring source and laid pipe to carry the water, the water is saved in a reservoir and then distributed to the community members. Work on the water system, which began a few months ago, was carried out by WVG in partnership with the local community and the municipality.

“ From meetings with community members we knew that water was the major issue in this village, we began working on solving this problem together with the local municipality and today I am happy this very important project was implemented successfully and I see so many grateful people” said Kakheti ADP coordinator Nana Atuashvili.

“ Nobody else has done so many good things for this village as World Vision” added village mayor Zaza Burnadze.

The irrigation system built by World Vision in Kakheti region, village Khodasheni, saved several hundred people from staying without drinking water for days following a tornado that struck the region.Deputy Governor of Kakheti has underlined this fact and expressed his gratitude for the implemented work. The irrigation system was done before the disaster struck and it served to create great resilience among the community during the disaster.

“World Vision’s response to a problem is very quick and in some cases they know better than me what the community needs. They collaborate very well with local municipalities” said Petre Kiknadze.

Nona Jokharidze, who has lived in the village for 10 years, recalls that she needed to cover more than 1 km to retrieve water and sometimes she had to go 3-4 times a day.

“For me it is a miracle, we have never had water in the house in the village. Now every day I am happy to open the water tap and see the leaking water.” said she.

With the water system now in place, she does not have to worry about everyday routine of gathering water, and can spend more time with her children and family.