A Year Later: "The water is clean and safe for drinking."

When we first visited the Kalangba Junction Community, people were collecting and drinking dirty water because they had no other options.

"The time this water facility was not completed, we only had open wells as sources of drinking water in the community, and it was very difficult fetching water from there. I was not having enough time to play with my friends in the community because I had to go draw water from the well, and I [was] very tired when I finished fetching," said 15-year-old Isatu B.

Other community members, like 55-year-old Water Committee Chair and farmer Sheku Dumbuya, also found life without reliable water difficult.

"There was a great challenge for me in this community when it comes to having access to clean and safe drinking water. The only source of drinking water we had was open wells in the community, which were not pure for drinking, but that is what was available since my childhood in this community," said Sheku Dumbuya.

But after a new well was installed last year, things changed for community members with access to sufficient clean water.

"I am very happy for having this water facility in my community because it [is] very easy to fetch water from here, and the water is clean and safe for drinking. I now have enough time to play with my friends," said Isatu.

"I am feeling good for having such a blessing in my community after looking for this opportunity over decades, but I thank God it's finally here," Sheka said. "Our women and children are very happy, as you can see for yourself. The water is clean and safe for drinking. I personally want to thank the organization and the donor partners for helping us with clean and safe drinking water in this community."

Isatu and Sheka outside the well.