Access to clean water is a basic human right.
Yet millions of people across the world still do not have access.
Here is what we are doing to change that.
Togo, West Africa
Wells
Many places in Togo, West Africa, lack a supply of clean water. This is especially so in the northern areas of the country. Water scarcity often means that village children and women have to walk, at least daily, to the nearest river which may be a 3 kilometers journey. And the water there may not be clean! On each trip they carry 25 liters of water weighing 25 kgs on their heads. Imagine spending six hours a day carrying water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Last year Shelter Now was able to sink 8 wells in the driest areas of Togo and also Benin, for the first time. So far this year, we have sunk 4 wells but more wells are needed. Each of the wells are typically 14 meters deep. Much of the digging is carried out by hand except where rock is encountered. Then local officials assist by providing dynamite to blast through the rock.
Each well costs about AUD 3,500 and provides water for about 300 people. The ladies especially are delighted not to have to spend so many hours a day just carrying water on their heads from the nearest rivers. The well water also proves to be much cleaner compared to the river water.
Afghanistan
Water
Afghanistan is a very arid country. There is enough water in the high mountains of the province Badakhshan, but as it flows unprotected through the villages it becomes polluted and can cause sicknesses.
Wells need to be extremely deep to reach ground water. 60 meters deep is not uncommon in the non-mountainous areas. As such, Shelter hires out massively strong equipment.
The schools are also connected to water systems and the teachers and students receive training in hygiene and health.
Together with the local villagers Shelter Now installs water pipes from the wellspring to the village, making it possible for the village to enjoy fresh, clean drinking water throughout the whole year.
