A Year Later: "Living with clean water is just a blessing!"

Seventeen-year-old Alex recalled what life was like in the Nduumoni Community before his community's dug well was implemented last year.

"Before the construction of this project, life was very hard. We used to get water from very far [away] and the water was not very safe for drinking. We did not have enough water for maintaining our hygiene and sanitation as well as for watering our trees and other crops on the farm. I could walk [a] very long [time] and [endure] long queues at the river, which would tend to waste a lot of my time," said Alex.

Collecting water is now much simpler for Alex and the other community members in Nduumoni.

"Now, I enjoy fetching water from this shallow well point. It is very convenient now to get water, [and] the water is also very clean. I like the fact that I don't get tired after fetching water from the current water point, as compared to before, when I could trek and trek only to come back home worn out," said Alex.

Having ready access to water from the well has made a difference, allowing Alex to collect water easily and still have time for learning and his other interests.

Alex.

"Living with clean water is just a blessing. With clean water, daily tasks become manageable. Cooking is no longer a challenge, and hygiene is easier to maintain. Families can focus on their livelihoods, knowing that their basic need for water is met. Our livestock has enough water and their health is gradually doing well," Alex said.

But taking care of responsibilities is not the only benefit Alex is finding from having access to clean water. He now has the time and energy to dream about a bright future.

"Children can attend school instead of spending hours fetching water. I am no longer stressed about getting water for my family; hence, [I] have time to focus on my studies. I have enough time to play football. I am a football enthusiast and this is a perfect opportunity to keep grinding for some career in football. I am dreaming of becoming the best footballer in Africa, and maybe one day I [can] play for European teams," Alex concluded.

The well is surrounded by plenty of water.