A Year Later: New London, 9 Jalloh Street

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to hand-drill a well for New London Community in Sierra Leone. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – and we’re excited to share this one from local team member Omoh Emmanuel with you.

Due to the look of things in the community, there is a different, better lifestyle here. You can see the joy and happiness on people's faces as they have hope that the community is heading somewhere and there is a future for their children.

These people used to go to the swamp and other unprotected water points in search of water. They had a well that was completely dry, but we were able to go in and hand-drill a borehole, bringing them a source of safe drinking water. There is safe and clean water now nearby.

We spoke with Mrs. Mabinty Conteh and Fatmata Bangura about changes they have personally witnessed.

"Presently, people don't fall sick because of drinking contaminated water. The water provided for us is clean, fresh, has no taste, no smell, and no color," said Mrs. Conteh.

Mrs. Mabinty Conteh

Construction on the well is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This well in New London is changing many lives.

Mrs. Mabinty Conteh and Fatmata stand proudly in front of their community's well.

"I no longer drink swamp or other unprotected water again. There is always fresh and available water in my community to drink and do my domestic works," shared 10-year-old Fatmata Bangura. "And I don't easily arrive late for school due to fetching water, and my uniforms are always clean now," she continued.

"The environment is clean and healthy for us to play in."

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.