In July 2024, a devastating landslide struck Kencho Shacha Woyza Kebele in Ethiopia’s Gofa Zone. It left a trail of loss claiming lives, destroying homes, water systems and community infrastructure.
For families who survived, the disaster left them facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives without the security of a safe place to call home.
Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia joined the recovery effort in Burda resettlement village alongside the community, government authorities and other partners. Through housing, water and hygiene interventions, the work has supported the construction of new homes for 88 households and improved access to safe water for more than 735 community members. Together, these interventions are helping families rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and stability.
These interventions respond to some of the practical challenges that follow displacement. Each new home includes a household toilet, while the water infrastructure includes a 100 m³ reservoir, three water points with four faucets each and 4.4 kilometres of internal water supply lines. The work has also included sanitation and hygiene capacity-building for users.
For the families rebuilding, the changes go beyond the structures themselves.
For Yenenesh, who lost her husband in the disaster, the journey to a new home was part of a longer recovery process.
“After the disaster, we moved into a temporary shelter. It was then that Habitat for Humanity joined the recovery effort and followed up on our progress until we were finally settled into our own home. We are truly thankful.”
For young people like Nebire, the changes are also visible in the wider community.
“The homes, clean drinking water and latrines are improvements that mean a lot, especially to our elders, mothers and fathers.”
Marking a milestone
On August 8, community members, government representatives, partners and Habitat for Humanity staff gathered in Burda Village to mark the completion of the project.
The event celebrated the completion of homes and water infrastructure as well as the collective effort of community members, government authorities and partners who collaborated to support recovery. It also marked the transition from project implementation to continued community ownership of the new infrastructure.
For Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia National Director Yitna, the significance of the project extends beyond the physical construction.
“It is more than building a roof and a wall.”
His remarks highlighted the role of housing as a foundation for dignity, stability and access to other basic services.
Abi Riak, Habitat for Humanity Africa Area Vice President, also emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that “a better future is possible with unity and cooperation.”
The work continues
While the completion of the project marks an important milestone in the recovery effort, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure will depend on strong community ownership and maintenance. To this end, local government representatives and the community reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the continued use and maintenance of the facilities.
When disaster strikes, lives, livelihoods and homes can be lost instantly. Recovery often means more than replacing what was lost. It means rebuilding the foundations of everyday life. A safe place to call home can restore protection, privacy and stability, while access to clean water and sanitation helps communities stay healthy and resilient. Together, these essentials create a strong foundation for families to rebuild their future with dignity and hope.