Widow Musa's Angwan Magani

Dear Lifewater & Sponsor, We the people of Angwan Magani hereby convey our appreciation to you for the support you gave us through the new well. There are no words that can describe the depth of our gratitude to you. Kindly convey to your friends and supporters our gratitude for this gift of love during this difficult time for us. The people hereby pledge to take care of this well so that it serves the whole community for years to come. Regards, Galadima Ndama, Resident of Angwan Magani Community Additional notes from community: The problems associated with the shortage of water in Northern Nigeria is largely an issue reserved for women and children to figure out. This is a brief story of Widow Asabe Musa, a 35 year old mother of four. She lives in the little town of Angwan Magani in Nasarawa state. It is a community of about 900 people. ‎Life is hard, and some people in desperation even look to Boko Haram for hope. Widow Musa still lives in the family compound of her late husband where the brunt of chores are her responsibility. In this culture, women lead most households making sure there is food for everyone to eat, taking care of the children, and, most importantly looking for water from wherever she can. She recalls a horrifying experience four years ago. She went to the little river at night with other women to wait for the water from the pit to collect while they take turns fetching. It was dark, and all they had were lanterns to find their way to and from the river. As they kept vigil waiting, she felt a cold touch on her left ankle. It was a rattlesnake that had almost wrapped itself around her ankle. She screamed into the night and jumped pushing her daughter to the ground as they tried to run away. It is an experience that has lived with them ever since. But the women and children of Angwan Magani have no choice but to keep staking out the night in search of contaminated and brownish water for drinking and cooking. A new well will transform the lives of the people of Angwan Magani. Water borne diseases such an cholera, dysentery, skin diseases and other related illnesses can be avoided or reduced. Girl children will be able to get to the local primary school on time rather than literally spending their day hunting for water. The women of Angwan Magani are desperate to have a well put in. They have taken the men into buying two large GP plastic storage tanks and to open a contributing account which can be accessed to fix or replace the electric pump. They have also established a Well Committee to ensure the sustainability of the wells. Thank-you for bringing hope and health to Widow Musa and her people!

Angwan Magani is a town located in Awe Local Government area of Nasarawa State, with a population of approximately 900 people. The majority of the people that dwell here are farmers and Fulani cattle ranchers. This area is severely depleted of water especially in the dry season, which makes life very difficult for them. With the provision of this well many lives will be saved.