Impact: Community Water Well in the Catholic Diocese of Chipata, Zambia

Leonisa Phiri is the headwoman of the Kuchumbo village with a population of about 230 in the Diocese of Chipata, in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Leonisa can’t stop praising God for the dramatic change in her community since a clean water well was installed by Cross Catholic Outreach.

“I thank my God; it is like I am dreaming to see my people, especially my fellow women, getting water right in the village!” said Leonisa. “Look at how happy the children are! Oh God, you have changed our lives.”

The need for clean water is extremely high in the poor, rural Diocese of Chipata. Before the well was drilled, finding clean water was a daunting challenge. Women and girls, who traditionally collect water in Zambia, had to walk long distances just to find a small stream. During the dry season, they had to walk even farther. This meant that many of the girls had to skip school just so their families could have water each day.

Traditional water sources were not just far but also dangerous. Because the riverbeds and hand-dug water pits were also used by the villagers’ cattle and dogs, as well as wild animals, they were often infested with frogs and insect larva. Drinking the water can cause diarrhea and dysentery, resulting in fatalities of children and the elderly.

Installation of the clean water well improves access to sustainable safe drinking water and reduces sanitation-related diseases among the poor villages in Eastern Zambia. When Leonisa’s village received their well, the entire community danced and rejoiced.

Related: Quenching Thirst in the Diocese of Karonga, Malawi