Why Water Wells?

Women And Children Carry The Water


Women and children walk 5-18 miles each morning to collect water from shallow pits, polluted streams, or ponds frequented by domestic and wild animals. They then carry the water in five gallon containers on their heads, back to their villages.  This is the all the water that will be available to satisfy their daily needs. During the frequent droughts these sources of water are non-existent. 

 

Carrying heavy water vessels is an exhausting task that wastes valuable time and energy.  We are committed to providing deep wells located near rural villages that provide sources of clean water.

 

Key Statistics

 

• 4.8 million people (36 percent) are without access to clean water. 

• 6.6 million people (50 percent) are without access to sanitation facilities.

• More than 25 percent of basic schools do not have access to safe water supply and sanitation.

• Primary education completion rate is only 72 percent (78 percent for boys and  65 percent for girls)

 

 

Statistics from UNICEF Zambia fact sheet