 It is a basic necessity of life. It is taken for granted in the first world. It is something sought after in the developing world.
Recently, African Reflections Foundation constructed wells in an area where water was sourced from ground water, rain water, and open pit wells (topped up with rain runoff).
We obtained samples of water the villagers were using beforehand and also a sample from a newly constructed well. The difference was amazing. The positive atmosphere and the feedback in the villages is uplifting. It is like a wave. It starts ‘here’ and then builds and builds until it reaches ‘there’. The ‘here’ is a hand dug well, lined up the sides with hand constructed concrete tiles, and filtering the water in the bottom is crushed white stone about 1 foot in depth. After the villagers have a steady supply of clean water that is close at hand, they want to do more. They want to grow food to feed their families and improve the village as a whole.
Next we have the bucket kit irrigation system. This slow drip system, feeds the plants slowly with the nice clean water. In this tropical climate, the growth is astounding. With in just a few days the first shoots have appeared. The first crop was rolling in within 30 days.
A local businessman who runs a commercial farm was out to the villages to offer advice and assistance. The villagers were keen to learn. This is just a beginning.
From dirty, cloudy grey water to clean clear water is something to be celebrated. Have a look at the photo. Would you drink water from the first two bottles? The villagers were doing it. It was all they had. Now, look at the last bottle….maji safi (fine water), pure water, clean water.
The last bottle in the picture is the clear water from the ARF well and the crop that is being picked to feed and give income to families; that is our ‘there’.
Members of the African Reflections foundation are on hand thru all aspects of the building of the wells. We are present when the villagers open the wells and are seen as heroes and angels, but really, we are doing such a little thing. We are providing some clean water.
We simply turn on the tap at home and the water comes. How lucky we are.
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