When we were returning from the City of Hope, we passed Mikundo, an area where LDS Humanitarian Service and EBAT provided five wells in 2007. We stopped by the community offices and were greeted by the chief. He escorted us to see the success of the wells.Ebat specializes in wells that are hand-dug. These can only be about 30 meters. They dig and line the wells with a cement cylinder as they progress down. The last few meters are dug underwater!
The community leaders showed us this water station. The plan for these communities was to drill five wells, then to lay pipe from each well to create water stations in village centers, so that the distance the people have to walk for water is shortened. Because these wells are less than 30 meters, the hand pump is considered a good solution. It is reasonably easy to maintain and not dependent on electricity.
The chief reported that the water committees for these wells is working well and will be responsible for any repairs necessary.
The water stations also serving as community gathering places, especially when strangers come to visit!
They would like more wells and water stations, because the community is large and needs water badly.
We provide entertainment for women and children waiting in line for their turn at the water station.
At the second water station we visited, there was a large group of people, washing and waiting for their turn at the pump. This woman pumped water for someone else, then filled her own blue bowl, and as we watched, easily put it on her head and carried it up the hill.
There she goes!
And another woman waits her turn.
As usual, we are a novelty for the children, except for one young boy, who is not happy to see us!
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