Village Participation is Essential

 
Orphans carrying Drilling Supplies in Gbargna, Liberia

In a market-place, money must exchange hands before goods are provided. Similarly, we have found that if wells are provided for free, there is little village ownership and the pumps will spoil and sit broken.

For projects to be successful in the long-term, community members must be willing to work together, share food & shelter with the Lifewater team, and give time, energy, finances & resources towards the project.


Liberian orphans carrying drilling supplies  
   
Bucket Line-up Waiting for Pump Opening

Villagers perform maintenance, raise repair funds and establish rules such as:

  • Who will be the Caretaker in charge
  • When the pump should be locked and when water can be drawn
  • How users must contribute towards required pump repair work

Careful attention must be given to gender issues with respect to water access & use (see "Women, Men and Water-Resource Management in Africa")

 
   
Bucket Line-up Waiting for Pump Opening

Lifewater works with community leaders to develop a Water Supply Agreement. Each project is customized to address local needs and capacity.

Each community designates a Well and/or Washroom Caretaker that is trained by Lifewater in daily operations.

For each project cluster, a repair technician is also trained. Required tools are left with the local village chief.

Plaques showing the sponsors name are normally not attached to the well since this diminishes village ownership of the project.

Contact Us If you want to make a Donation to help provide an
African Village with the water and sanitation they need to stay healthy.