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Hope, after a
lifetime of suffering
43% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have safe,
accessible drinking water.
64% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa do not have adequate
sanitation. (UNICEF)
Noizak (68 yrs) and her friends - filled with wisdom that
only comes after a lifetime of suffering.
Their feet tell the tale of many journeys taken over the
years, walking thousands of miles over hills and through
valleys to funerals, friends, towns and to collect water.
Their conversation then turns to Joint Aid Management’s
(JAM) drilling rig, enthusiastically sharing their thoughts.
Nofusile never thought she would see the day that they would
have clean, safe water close by. These lifelong friends have
been collecting water for years from the same filthy spring
miles away, just like their mothers did. Thankfully,
Nolesson says her children and grandchildren will be the
first generation in the history of this area to have the
privilege of drinking and using, clean, safe water. JAM made
this dream come true through the drilling of a water well in
the area.
By supplying clean, safe water to hundreds of households in
the area, JAM is improving the people’s health; uplifting
their lifestyle and helping them live sustainable lives
through self-help farming practices. Children will no longer
suffer from severe headaches, fever, dehydration and death
that accompany water-borne diseases like cholera and
diarrhea. Many children, especially young girls, have also
been harassed by criminals in the community whilst
collecting water. During dry seasons, children wait in long
lines for their turn at the spring, only to return home
after dark.
Notusile is looking forward not having to walk for 3 miles,
up to 3 times a day to collect water. Noizak says now she
will not have to worry about her knees, that are often
afflicted by pain, when collecting water miles away.
Nomtandazo is also happy about the shorter distance, since
she has been struggling with arthritis for many years.
Nolesson is looking forward to spending more time at home
and less time walking to collect water for cooking, washing
and other domestic uses. |
