The rig to drill the bore hole arrived on Thursday evening and drilling began almost immediately. Hydrology specialists estimate that we have a water table at a relatively shallow distance of 50 – 72 meters.The pump will be about 600 meters from the houses, (a little further than the Sphere standard for those who care) and down hill in the valley. But it is clear, clean, drinkable water and it is about 2.5km closer than the current polluted water. So, unfortunately, the people will walk down hill with empty containers, and uphill with full ones. Being in the valley means however, that we have to drill about 20m less, this means water sooner, and less expense.
The goal was that by Friday, 6th the people would see the water, but this afternoon they reached approximately 50m and the water flowed. Very muddy water at the moment, but it’s there. We are hoping that by Wednesday 11th the hand pump mechanism and the surrounding concrete platform will have been fitted and the work complete. Ready for a party!
Fresh, clean, safe water… It’s so easy to take the fact that we can turn on a tap and drink for granted isn’t it? 2/3 of the world’s population can’t do that. 