A Drop of Hope: How Community Rainwater Harvesting Transforms Yangon's Informal Settlements

In the bustling city of Yangon, water shortages and pollution are intensifying as people seek refuge from conflict-affected areas. In the city's informal settlements, where only 6 percent of households have access to piped water, residents have long depended on unreliable and unsafe sources for their daily needs. These informal settlements, often located in flood-prone areas, face a distinct challenge. The problem isn't just the lack of water, but also the limited availability of safe drinking water. Many residents depend on private vendors, who charge significantly more than public or community-based providers. With rising inflation and stagnant wages, households are increasingly struggling to afford these costs, forcing them to turn to unsafe or unreliable sources that threaten their health and well-being. 

To address this urgent need, UN-Habitat launched an innovative Tametotto rainwater harvesting initiative aimed at making water more affordable and accessible for vulnerable communities. The project “Building resilience against COVID-19 through WASH and waste management support in urban informal settlements” introduced the groundbreaking rainwater harvesting tank to Myanmar for the first time, through a partnership between UN-Habitat and the Japanese company Daiken. The rainwater harvesting tank, capable of storing over 150 tons of water, provides a reliable supply throughout the year, including the dry months. A nature-based system filtered the collected rainwater, making it safe to drink and reducing the reliance on expensive bottled water or unsustainable groundwater extraction.

The community rainwater harvesting tank had a profound impact. The installation of these tanks resulted in a noticeable change in the target areas' schools. Thida, a 14-year-old student from one of these schools, said, “Before, we had to bring water from home because the water here was not safe to drink. Now, we can drink the water from the tank. We don't have to worry about getting sick."

The community also received training on how to maintain the rainwater harveesting tanks. U San Win, a community mobilizer involved in the project, said, "The rainwater harvesting tank is incredibly efficient and easy to maintain. We trained the communities and teachers on how to manage the system, and they did an excellent job. It was rewarding to see how this simple solution made such a big difference." The tanks are designed to be space-efficient, allowing the area above them to be used for playgrounds or parking lots—an essential feature in these densely populated urban areas.

This project serves as a powerful example of how UN-Habitat’s broader mandate—to promote sustainable urban development—can directly improve lives. By addressing water security, the project not only meets an immediate need but also enhances the long-term resilience of these communities against the inevitable challenges posed by climate change. The successful implementation of this technology demonstrates the effectiveness of international partnerships and highlights the potential for innovative solutions to tackle pressing urban issues.

As the project scales up its low-tech and cost-effective rainwater harvesting solution across Myanmar, it sets a precedent for tackling water insecurity in informal settlements. UN-Habitat installed 10 rainwater harvesting tanks in Yangon’s informal settlements as part of this initiative. This effort demonstrates that with the right support and technology, even the most vulnerable communities can achieve a healthier and more sustainable future.

On World Humanitarian Day 2024, reflecting on the theme "Act for Humanity," this project highlights the profound impact that innovative humanitarian efforts can have on those in need. Each drop of water from this initiative represents a step towards a brighter, healthier future for Yangon’s most vulnerable communities.

“Innovative solutions can make a world of difference for the most vulnerable communities. UN-Habitat stands committed to #actforhumanity and will continue to work towards improving community resilience. As we stay and deliver in Myanmar, on this World Humanitarian Day, we call for the protection of our staff, volunteers, and the local communities we serve,” said Ms. Catarina Camarinhas, Country Programme Manager a.i, UN-Habitat, Myanmar. 

*This story was originally published on the UN-Habitat Myanmar website.