Kavindu, 16, recalled what life was like in the Ilalu Community before his community's hand-dug well was installed 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 safe for drinking. We did not have enough water for maintaining our hygiene and sanitation [or] for watering our trees and other crops on the farm. I would walk [a] very long [distance] just to get dirty water; the road was rocky and dangerous at the same time," shared Kavindu.
Collecting water is now much safer for Kavindu and the other community members in the Ilalu Community.
"I am now drinking clean water, and it has been a while since I visited the dispensary due to infections like typhoid or amoeba. I no longer get headaches due to a lack of clean drinking water. I have completed school now and spend most of my time farming because we have enough water. I have planted maize, kale, spinach, and tomatoes," he continued.
Kavindu's vegetables!
Having ready access to water from the hand-dug well has made a difference for Kavindu, allowing him the opportunity to enhance his budding profession. The future is bright, and Kavindu is excited for what it holds!
"This waterpoint has helped me become a successful farmer who can pocket something regularly. I am planning to go full throttle in vegetable farming as I am looking forward to getting more money from the vegetable sales. I do not plan to leave my community anytime soon; this is my home forever," he concluded.
Kavindu in his fields.