Wells for Sierra Leone

Broken...

The people of Sierra Leone are suffering from a lack of access to clean and safe water. The problem...hundreds of hand pumps are broken.

Even the "wells" that are in use are often no more than an open pit with "water" in the bottom. When we heard that the solution to these problems is so simple and cost effective, we had to respond.

Repairing Wells

The Water Project is partnered with Living Water International to restore and repair wells in Sierra Leone, for about $3,000 per well.

In most cases these "repairs" are in fact a complete overhaul or reconstruction of the well. The community may need a new pump. If there is only a hole in the ground, it must be cased, capped and then have a proper hand pump attached.

Making it Last

In every case, the technical work is combined with community training and follow-up to ensure the work is sustainable. Community members are taught about proper hygiene and well maintenance. At schools, the teams are even installing toilets to provide a complete sanitation solution. When you put it all together, an effective and lasting solution is put in place. Lives change.

Local Help

Keeping with our goal of utilizing local management and labor whenever possible, our implementer's operation works to train former child-soldiers and women who were victimized during the hostilities of the recent civil war. They are being equipped to rehabilitate broken-down wells and educate villagers in basic health and hygiene practices. Hope is restored for everyone involved.

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More About the Projects

When LWI began operations in Sierra Leone, they chose to forego heavy initial capital costs and focus first on well rehabilitation. This strategy has allowed LWI to become acquainted with the country's water needs, while providing clean water for a much lower cost than a new borehole.

There are MANY broken hand-pumps in Sierra Leone. Most of these broken wells were drilled on contract before and after the civil war. When a company or organization's contract ended - so did their in-country presence. The wells fell into disrepair. There are also hand-dug wells all over the country. Many of these wells can be rehabilitated into closed, clean and safe water points

Work is taking place primarily in Koya District, Port Loko District, Western Area Rural, Bombali District and Tonkolili District. Teams move to where there is the most need. As word has gotten out, the teams receive request for assistance. They do a survey trip and identify all the nearby wells that need work.

Sustainability is about relationships in Sierra Leone. So these initial contacts are always followed up. Going back and calling them on the phone to see how the pump is working is one way to stay in touch.

Join us. Get involved today and help change everything for a community in Sierra Leone.

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