Sadad, a village located in Homs, Syria, is known for its Christian heritage and thriving agricultural community. The majority of its residents rely on farming as their main source of livelihood. However, the availability of a sustainable water source has been a persistent issue since the beginning of the prolonged civil war. The water network suffered significant damage, with 70% of it becoming dysfunctional for the past decade. Despite efforts by the General Corporation for Drinking Water and Sanitation in Homs to restore the transmission line, delays have been encountered. Consequently, the village has experienced increasing losses in harvest and income.
The local well was the only water source that provided drinking water to families every day. Initially, it was operated by an electric generator. However, the high costs of fuel, along with the difficulty in securing it, affected the availability of water in the village. People had to transport water from very distant sources driving daily 4-5 kilometers into the wild to bring water to the village.
Recognizing the need to address this challenge, the local water well was equipped with solar panels, driven by the severe electricity and water shortage in the area. The project has proven to be a game-changer for the community. Thanks to this sustainable and clean energy solution, the water pump now has the ability to operate for extended hours, meeting the increasing demand for water. Additionally, the cost of transporting water has been reduced to half, this development has had a profound and positive impact for many families, even during drought seasons.
The residents of Sadad can now have access to water without the dependence on costly fuel-powered generators. This improvement has enhanced access to water for daily use, hygiene, sanitation, and agriculture. It has also eliminated the daily struggle and burden of obtaining water, which is an essential need for everyone.
In conclusion, the installation of solar panels on the water well in Sadad Village has brought about a significant transformation. Through the adaptive mindset and alternative energy source, access to water has been improved, benefitting both individuals and the community as a whole.