Among returnees, was the family of Shatwa, 60 years old, who rehabilitated their home and land nearby to plant fruit and vegetables.
“Amid this insane rise in food prices, we are very lucky to be able to produce our own,” says Ibrahim, Shatwa’s son, while watering the plants.
“My grandchildren can drink whenever they are thirsty, and we can cook and make coffee for our guests without worrying about a water shortage,” says Shatwa.
Water shortage can deprive children from fully living their childhood which was the case for Balkis, aged seven, Shatwa’s granddaughter.
“My mother wouldn’t allow me to play with my cousins in the fields as we didn’t have enough water to bathe, but now I can play whenever I want!”
This is one of six wells UNICEF has rehabilitated in Lajat this year, bringing water back to 16,000 people in the area.
“We are in the process of rehabilitating other 14 wells reaching additional 85,000 people,” says Ameen, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilitator.
“We can already see the huge impact on the lives of residents. Our reward is seeing them smile.”