When you have water at the turn of a tap, it’s hard to imagine the excitement generated by having an old village well rehabilitated. But for millions of women around the world – it’s usually women who collect water – a well is like a dream come true. Let the people of Mikamba village in the Democratic Republic of Congo tell you more.
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Well well
Faita Arachane nips down to the well in Mikamba village whenever she needs water for her family. But it wasn’t always like that. Until recently, the well was broken and Faita and her neighbours had to walk an hour each way to fetch water from a dirty river. |
Water anyone?
Mgane Ndagaluka casts a professional eye over Foatu Rutonde as she pumps up some clean water. Mgane has been trained by Oxfam to maintain the handpump and to promote the use of clean water. “Before, some of the villagers did not know that health had anything to do with what water we drink,” he says. |
A healthy sign
A poster by the well reminds villagers that the cleaner water is better for their health than that from the river. Mgane’s colleague, Mugobozi Mwembo (right), explains: “Having clean water means that we are sick less often, which is good because we don’t have the means to receive treatment when we are suffering.” |
Fair shares
The villagers also have a share in the well by paying 50 francs a month towards spare parts. But Foatu says she cannot afford this, “so I come and volunteer to build the fence around the well and sweep the area clean instead.” |
Clean water and health for all
Everyone in Mikamba is benefiting from the new well. Tumaini Vunilia (left) doesn’t get exhausted fetching water anymore, and says: “I have better health now.” Better still, Mugobozi hopes that “cholera has disappeared from our village.”
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