Cambodia has endured decades of strife that destroyed and degraded water access built prior to the mid 1960’s. While the situation has somewhat improved – clean water and especially sanitation are still sorely lacking. Approximately 84% of Cambodian people do not have access to adequate sanitation, and the resulting loss of life is tragic. Approximately 10% of Cambodians die before the age of one, and inadequate sanitation and continued pollution of their drinking water supply is a primary contributor.
Surge has completed multiple projects in Cambodia to provide clean, safe water and educate the people about the need for proper sanitation.
Surge Founding Member Bibi Leung traveled to a remote village along the Mekong River located in the Kandal province to work on a project to bring clean water to a village school. Her work with Surge’s partner on the ground included the construction of a water harvest tank, the distribution of point-of-use ceramic filters to each classroom, and the delivery of a hygiene and sanitation educational program. As a result of these efforts almost 1,000 children now have sustainable access to life-giving water and the knowledge to keep the systems clean and sanitary.
Floods ravaged Cambodia in late 2011, impacting over 1 million people and affecting over 75% of the country. Surge reacted quickly to this situation, working with established partners on the ground to provide point-of-use ceramic filters to over 4,000 people that effectively convert dirty, contaminated water to clean, pure drinking water. These filters will provide clean water for an individual family for at least the next 2 years, providing a workable solution until the flooding and its after-effects subside.
Surge is making a long term commitment to the people of Cambodia, and will continue to work on sustainable projects that will bring water to communities along the Mekong River. Please check back for updates on our work!
