100% Completion of the Protected Water Catchment in Ban Pachia, Securing Clean Domestic Water for Over 100 Border Families Across Two Villages
Securing access to clean, safe domestic water during severe weather variations has become a reality for local rural communities in Nong District. The infrastructure subproject for the construction of a protected ground water storage tank (spring catchment system) in Ban Pachia, Nong District, Savannakhet Province, funded under the CLEAR Project, has successfully reached 100% engineering completion.
Background and Community Challenges:
The primary domestic water supply for this rural area originates from a natural underground spring situated approximately 1 kilometer away from the settlement. Historically, during the critical dry seasons, more than 100 households from two neighboring villages heavily relied on this single source for their daily consumption—including 70 households from Ban Pachia and approximately 30 households from Ban Phounmarkmee. However, because the natural spring lacked proper protective structures and remained completely open-air, heavy monsoons and high winds frequently washed dust, falling leaves, and contaminated surface runoff directly into the water pool. This led to high turbidity and severe hygiene risks. To address these vulnerabilities, the communities jointly requested a structured engineering upgrade.
Technical Scope of Work Accomplished:
- Excavation, cleaning, and structural profiling of the spring basin into a standardized 4-meter x 4-meter rectangular configuration.
- Construction of robust retaining walls using stone masonry, fully sealed with high-grade external waterproof plastering.
- Casting of a reinforced concrete ring beam over the upper rim to reinforce structural integrity and block incoming surface-water contamination.
- Installation of a thick, coarse rock filter bed layer at the bottom of the tank to act as a natural filtration mechanism, preventing mud and fine sediment from rising.
- Construction of a protective timber roof structure overlaid with premium zinc sheets to shield the spring pool from airborne dirt and organic debris.
- Erection of a secure barbed wire perimeter fence around the facility boundaries to prevent livestock intrusion and safeguard localized hygiene.
Financial Summary:
- Total Subproject Investment Cost: 85,324,828 LAK (Fully financed via World Bank Community Development Grants under the CLEAR Project, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment).
- Community contribution: 9,300,000 LAK
Community Benefits and Sustainability (O&M):
The completed infrastructure asset has been formally handed over to the community for long-term ownership, operation, and maintenance. To support lasting sustainability, the CLEAR District Engineer team and Concern sectors conducted comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) capacity-building workshops for the local Village O&M Team. Concurrently, a community-managed water source revolving fund was established. This subproject effectively minimizes waterborne disease transmission risks, drastically improves rural sanitation standards, and secures safe, resilient year-round domestic water access for over 100 rural families.
