Curious about the water wells project in Zambia? You’re not alone! Many donors have questions about how these wells function and the impact they have on the EHC Kazala Food Security Program. To answer your enquiries, we reached out to Alex Hansingo, the Field Project Coordinator in Zambia, who provided thoughtful insights into this life-changing initiative. Here’s everything you wanted to know—and maybe a bit more!
Q: When is the best time to build the wells?
A: Shallow wells are typically constructed during the dry season, between August and November, when the soil is dry and easier to work with. In contrast, deeper wells, often referred to as boreholes, can be drilled year-round using specialised drilling machines, making them a more versatile option.
Q: How many people do the shallow wells typically service?
A: When well-constructed, a shallow well can efficiently serve up to 250 people, or roughly 40 households, depending on the population density in the Kazala villages.
Q: How many people benefit from the borehole wells?
A: The borehole well in Skeva Village, donated by a generous Every Home Global Concern supporter in 2022, serves about 800 people, including three villages and a preschool. Equipped with a solar pump and tank, it operates more efficiently than shallow wells and has never dried up, even during drought conditions. This contrasts with municipal boreholes in the area, which often dry up or have faulty hand pumps due to poor construction and maintenance.
Q: Are the shallow wells located close to the community?
A: Yes, shallow wells are situated near the community and are well-protected from contamination. They’re typically placed just outside or at the centre of villages, based on local recommendations.
Q: Are borehole wells further from the community? If so, how far do people typically have to walk to access them?
A: Boreholes are generally within reach of the community but are often slightly outside the villages. Unfortunately, in some areas without functional wells, villagers must walk up to 5 kilometres to access water from the next village.
Q: Are there any usage demarcations for the wells?
A: No, there are no strict usage demarcations. Water resources are shared among villages and families. Each well or borehole has a Water and Sanitation Committee that ensures the resource is used in a hygienic and organised manner.
Q: Is there still a significant need for additional wells in the region?
A: Absolutely. Some villages in Kazala have no functional wells and others struggle with drying wells, particularly during the dry season. The borehole-to-village ratio remains high and additional wells could greatly alleviate the challenges many communities face.
The water wells project in Zambia is more than just a means of accessing water—it’s a lifeline that supports entire communities. Your support helps us bring clean water closer to more people, improving health, reducing travel time for water collection and creating a more sustainable future for these communities.
Have more questions about thisproject or others? Feel free to reach out— we’d love to share more about the lifechanging impact of your contributions.
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