Families: 52
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

For years, Nkhalizi’s only water source was a deep, hand-dug pit. Families lowered a rope into the 8-meter hole to pull up water, a physically demanding task that became even harder during the dry season when the water was seasonal. Animals—including goats, frogs, snakes, and even a baboon—had fallen into the pit. The chief could manage about five buckets a day; for many others, even one bucket was exhausting.

The consequences reached far beyond the water point. During the rainy season, families were frequent visitors at Namkumba Health Center, walking two to three hours each way as often as four or five times a month. Children were especially affected. Because they could not safely collect water themselves, they sometimes waited for their parents to return before they could bathe or get ready for school. About half of the children were not attending school regularly.

Now, water is close enough for families to collect what they need without the rope and deep pit. Gladys, 65, described the difference simply: “Now, I get a whole 20 liter bucket and bathe myself.”

The community is already thinking beyond the well. Families are planning home gardens and planting fruit and shade trees, while men can finally water their goats and pigs without making another long trip. They have also begun molding bricks together to build a nursery school, a church, and larger homes.

And the children no longer have to wait for someone else to bring water home. They can collect water before school, bathe, and arrive ready for the day. Now, 100% of the children are going to school.

Nkhalizi is already looking ahead. As one community member put it, “We are very happy about this well. We are going to shine.”