Borehole Well and Hand Pump
Rehabilitation Project
Back in 2023, we rehabilitated the well in this community. It is an easily accessible water source for the 113 community members living nearby, but it has not been the solution we had hoped for. It is obvious when examining our monitoring data that, due to climate change, each year the well runs low on water during the dry season since the water table has decreased, which forces people to collect water from other sources - most often from an open stream.
Walking to collect water from the stream.
Alie Kamara, a field officer, shared his impression: "The converted borehole was not providing enough water throughout the year. The community and the Masjid (the nearby mosque) did not have enough water, and this led to walking long distances for water every day. The water source has a footpath and is surrounded by bush. This causes water users to be exposed to snake bites and contact with waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid."
Eighteen-year-old Humu is familiar with the challenges faced by collecting water from the unprotected community source - the local swamp.
"I feel bad when I am sent to fetch water considering the distance to the swamp water. The well that was constructed does not provide enough water throughout the year. This leads me to walk long distances for water every day. I spend hours collecting water every day, and the swamp water has [a] footpath. It gets slippery, especially in the rainy season," shared Humu, who spends up to three hours a day collecting water.
Humu collecting water from the stream.
"The problem of water impacts my time at school. I am often late for school due to collecting water for home. I spend hours fetching water every day, and this prevents me from going to school on time. I do not have enough time for studies and school, and this leads me to get poor grades," she continued.
We asked Humu what she would do with her time if she didn't have to spend so much of it collecting water. She said, "I would spend time on school, studies, or doing homework and help my parents with housework."
Humu has plans for the future. With safe, accessible water available year-round whenever she needs it, she will regain time to pursue her dreams.
"I would be glad if they [could] provide a water well in my community that will produce enough water for us. I want to become a teacher. With enough accessible water in my community, I will have enough time for school and studies. This will help me to achieve my dream," Humu envisioned.
Steps Toward a Solution
Returning to a community where we previously implemented a water project is not just a matter of maintenance; it stays true to our commitment to sustainability. Our technical experts worked with the local community to identify their current needs and decided to drill a new well.
Reinvestment
While the original project provided critical access to safe water, things like changing environmental conditions, population growth, and infrastructure wear have put that access at risk. Reinvesting now ensures that progress is not lost and that the community continues to thrive with reliable, clean water. We are committed to supporting lasting, reliable solutions that honor the trust placed in us by the people who depend on this essential resource every day.
Once this plan is implemented, the community will once again have access to safe drinking water in quality and quantity.
Community Education & Ownership
Hygiene and sanitation training are integral to our water projects. Safe water and improved hygiene habits foster a healthier future for everyone in the community. Since it has been several years since this community last engaged with training, we will hold a refresher training tailored to the community's specific needs.
