Families: 64 @ 230 people + 2 additional villages
Water Committee: 4 men and 6 women

Before the well, women in Chemzonya spent so much time collecting water that they were too tired to work in their gardens. Families spent about MK 45,000 each month getting water, and when people became sick, they often couldn’t work or farm.

The rainy season brought another challenge. Adults experienced diarrhea three or four times a month. But for the first time in their history, the community made it through a rainy season without getting sick.

For years, politicians had promised to bring water to Chemzonya in exchange for votes, but they never returned. After so many broken promises, the community had lost trust. “We were so happy to see the drillers come,” they shared.

With water now nearby, families have more time and peace at home. Husbands are no longer suspicious about the long hours their wives spent away collecting water. Families are happier, everyone can bathe three times a day, and they can keep their homes and clothes clean.

The well has also opened up new opportunities. Families are growing sweet potatoes and tomatoes, and the community has formed a village bank that charges 25% interest. With water readily available, they can also mold their own bricks instead of paying people to haul water from far away.

Most importantly, children are getting to school. Attendance has increased from 70% to 98%. After years of broken promises, Chemzonya finally has something to build on: clean water, more time, and hope for a better future.