For many people around the world, making a simple cup of coffee or tea begins with turning on a tap and filling a kettle. Access to safe, reliable water makes this everyday routine possible.
In the village of Soya in Sierra Leone, that kind of access has not always been guaranteed.
About ten years ago, water became more accessible for the people of Soya when Oxfam, a non-governmental organization, supported local residents in digging a 20-metre-deep well in the centre of the village. The well, equipped with a hand pump, provided the community with clean water close to home. Before that, villagers had to walk more than a kilometre to a nearby stream to collect water. During the dry season, when the stream dried up, families were forced to dig holes in the forest and wait for water to slowly collect.
Over time, however, erosion damaged the well and the pump broke down. Eventually, the well stopped producing water. Women and children had to return to collecting water from unsafe sources. As a result, waterborne illnesses—including dysentery—became common, and tragically, one child lost their life. The community did not have the financial resources to repair the well or build a new one.
Change came when Christian Extension Services (CES), World Renew’s local partner, began working in Soya to strengthen livelihoods, starting with leadership development. Community leaders quickly identified access to clean water as their most urgent priority. Fatmata Mansaray, whose grandchild had died from dysentery, was chosen as the Well Repair Chairperson.
World Renew learned of the situation and connected with donors who responded generously to support the repair of the well. With funding in place—and with community members contributing volunteer labour and local materials—the well was restored and began providing safe water once again.
Recognizing the need to protect the well for the future, the community also established guidelines for its use. Because part of the earlier damage had been caused by children playing with the pump, Fatmata and other women helped set designated hours for water collection: the well is open for five hours each morning and evening, and locked for the remainder of the day. In addition, households now contribute a small “water tax” to a community fund to cover maintenance and future repairs.
“Water is life. Now that we again have safe drinking water we can have good health in our village,” says Madam Fatmata.
Today, children in Soya have access to safe, clean water close to home. With continued support, World Renew and its partners are working alongside communities to improve access to water and build healthier futures.
