Hamid Hossain, a 63-year-old, found himself among the waves of people fleeing to Bangladesh in 2017, seeking refuge with four family members, including his two daughters aged 23 and 19. The struggles of displacement were compounded by the challenge of accessing clean drinking water in their new environment.

Their daily routine involved a strenuous journey of 400 meters to a water collection point, where they faced long queues. The average waiting time of 30 minutes, as recommended, proved to be a luxury that Hamid Hossain could not afford. Instead, he endured waiting for more than an hour in line, a physically demanding task, particularly given his old age.

The introduction of a water purification unit became a transformative solution for Hamid Hossain and his family. Beyond the immediate benefits of having access to clean water, the unit addressed a crucial issue for him—the excessive time spent waiting in line. With the ability to store a larger quantity of water in the unit, the time wasted in long queues was significantly reduced.

For an elderly individual like Hamid Hossain, this reduction in queuing time not only eased the physical strain but also enhanced the overall efficiency of water collection. The water purification unit not only became a source of clean water but also a practical solution that improved the quality of life for Hamid Hossain and his family, allowing them to save time and energy for more meaningful activities.

This story sheds light on the multifaceted impact of interventions like water purification units in refugee settings. Beyond addressing the immediate need for clean water, such initiatives play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and dignity of individuals, especially those facing the challenges of old age in already difficult circumstances.