Lifewater’s well-drilling and “maintenance culture” applauded

 

There are thousands of water wells throughout the developing world that have been abandoned because well-meaning organizations drilled them but didn’t stick around to maintain them.

 

When a well or pump fails, if there is no one with the skills, tools, parts and equipment to repair it, local people revert to their former water sources – often stagnant ponds or streams. This water is so tainted that those who drink it risk contracting potentially fatal diarrheal diseases like dysentery and cholera.

 

It’s part of the reason why experts say someone – usually a child – is dying every 20 seconds from diarrheal diseases caused by dirty water and inadequate sanitation.

 

When Lifewater Canada donors contribute to the drilling of a new well, they also contribute to training local individuals to maintain the well, and to having Lifewater periodically check to ensure safe water is still flowing.

 

We received a thank-you letter recently from a Christian pastor in Nigeria after Lifewater did some repair work on a well on his church’s property that serves the surrounding community.

 

“This church was blessed some years back with the free gift of a borehole on the church premises,” wrote Rev. Ozioma Ihuoma.

 

“We are glad for your maintenance culture which made you remember us and come back for this repair. It is indeed a great work and we pray that Almighty God will bless you greatly.”

 

May you – our donors who made this repair work possible – also be blessed!