Member

Water Action (WACT) is a national, non–religious, non-profit making, non-ethnic and not politically affiliated Civil Society Organization (CSO).

WACT has obtained extensive experiences in implementing largely successful WASH and environmental projects in rural and semi-urban areas of Oromia, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Sidama, and Gambella regions. Consequently, WACT became a pioneer national organization specialized in the WASH and conservation of natural resources.

Its activities in water supply are integrated with increasing access to basic sanitation, improving hygiene behaviors and community WASH services governance. Hence, developed and implements a successful model of community management systems for a sustainable and effective operation and maintenance of the completed schemes.

ESTABLISHMENT

Water Action (WAC) was founded in May 1995 by fundamentally inspired Ethiopians who were renowned visionary multidisciplinary professionals bound by shared ideas and common goals. Their endeavours were predominantly supported by Water Aid UK who was in favour to establish and strengthen an NGO working on water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion in the country.

GOAL

The organization was basically established with a goal to contribute towards the attainment of national development targets set for Ethiopia to become a middle income country by 2025.

VISION

WACT’s vision is “to see Ethiopia where their living conditions are transformed”

MISSION

The mission of Water Action is “to improve the quality of life of target communities through integrated socio-economic development endeavours”.

CORE VALUES

Water Action has a set of core values explicitly stated as People centred, Fairness and  Equity, Transparency, Accountability, Independence, Communication, Networking and Partnership, Ethical integrity, Gender equity, Environmental consciousness, Sustainability, Value for resources and impact.

The sector based focus of the organization includes:-

Water Resource Development

• Safe water supply
• Small scale irrigation

Health, Sanitation and Hygiene

• Construction and promotion of sanitation facilities
• Promotion of proper hygiene and sanitation practices
• Promotion of reproductive health and HIV/AIDS

Natural Resources protection and development

• Soil and water conservation
• Afforestation and reforestation
• Income diversification at household level
• Agricultural extension services

Community Development

• Users capacity building
• Women empowerment

Cross Cutting Issues

• Climate change management
• Gender mainstreaming

PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

At the outset, Water Action has been implementing piecemeal projects of WASH, Community Development and Natural Resources Protection and Development interventions in different Woredas of Oromia, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Sidama, and Gambella regions. Community Development component is a cross cutting activity of all projects deliberated to enable the communities manage the schemes and benefits of their respective projects by themselves on sustainable basis.

Program/ Project Office

Generally Water Action opens a field office for its new program/ project with staff consisting of construction crew, health promoters, social workers, natural resources management experts and supporting personnel responsible for the day to day implementation and follow ups of the program/ project activities. At times, when needed, it receives technical and logistic supports from donors the government and the private partner. In any case, the vast experiences Water Action has gained from the projects successfully implemented at the different parts of Ethiopia shown that the own force method of implementation is more effective and efficient particularly in ensuring community participation, and sustainability of the outcomes. The program/project office maintains proper records of all relevant aspects of the project progress, for documentation as well as reporting purposes. It also prepares and submits periodic plans, budget requests and reports to the head office.