Dream about Drinking Water

Village of Khevasheni in Adigeni District has not had water for several years. Initially villagers petitioned all corresponding bodies, and then they applied to non-governmental organizations, in vain.

"We dream about rain too. We bring drinking water from the far distance, but we use rain water for house work. That's why we are watching the sky all the time," said villager Mariko Endeladze.

"You should see how happy the people are in the village when it is raining. Women have much work to do. We carry vessels to the drainpipe to fill them with rain water," said Marine Minadze, a housewife.

"We used to live well before. But now we have to change everything. The pipes have got rusty and they are lost in the earth. Thus, we live without water. Villagers do not have money to replace the pipes, sometimes we cannot buy bread either," said Jumber Gorgodze, resident of the village.

"We have got used to living without water, though it is funny. However, it is the truth… In the morning we wash up, and then we pour the water to hens and domestic animals. We have no way out," said Andro Lomsianidze. Natural stream is flowing two kilometers away from the village and the villagers use that water to drink. The stream is flowing in a deep place and it is difficult to lead it up to the village. The people say that it was impossible to connect the water pipe with the neighbor village.

"I have applied to everybody. Finally I lost hope of assistance from the governmental bodies and applied to the non-governmental organizations. Some NGO arrived in the village, I cannot remember the name, but they could not assist us either. We are still without water," said Givi Gvelesiani.

"In spring everything is burning. We do not hope to have much harvest. We rely on the nature only and survive only under the Almighty's mercy," said Meriko Endeladze.

Villagers started to dig well in the area, but they could not escape problems there as well.

"Our village is located on the dry place and we have to dig 15-20 meter-deep-hole to reach the water. Nobody can build up well in the village, and specialists demand 150 USD for it. We do not have money to pay them.

The villagers have found the way out for every season. In winter they melt snow to use it in housework. But drinking water is everlasting problem for them.

Former Chairman of the administrative board of Benari, Tariel Gorgodze said that the problem will be resolved together with the NGO, next summer.

"I live in the village of Khevanshi, so I know how important water is for them. Water pipes and taps were removed and sold out. This year, one international organization arrived in the village and the villagers asked them to resolve the problem. Water system should have pipes leading into the yards of every family. I can claim that the people will not have the problem next year," former councilor gave a promise.

Gulo Kokhodze, Adigeni