Families: 100 across 5 villages
Water Committee: 5 men and 5 women

Before the well, families in Eleson collected water from a stream and river. During the dry season, all 100 families relied on the same waterpoint, leading to long lines, fights, and broken buckets. Families would leave at 4 a.m. and return around noon with just one bucket. During the rainy season, the water became so dirty that families said they sometimes went to sleep without eating.

The community suffered from diarrhea, scabies, and dysentery and visited the clinic four to five times a month. Families traveled up to 20 kilometers for care and often had to do piece work to afford transportation and treatment. Water shortages also created tension at home, with husbands sometimes doubting their wives were away only to fetch water.

Today, families can collect seven or more buckets a day. They can bathe regularly, wash their clothes, and keep their homes clean. “Dignity is restored!” one community member said. Residents also say peace has returned to their homes and marriages have been restored.

The extra water has opened up new opportunities. Families are growing gardens of pumpkin leaves, mustard, and collard greens, running small businesses, and participating in a community bank. They are also molding bricks to build houses, kitchens, toilets, and animal houses. Their goats are healthier and multiplying because they no longer have to wander in search of water.

Children are benefiting, too. Before the well, only 30% of children attended school because of the difficulty of getting water. Now, attendance has reached 100%. Children arrive on time, and the community reports improved test results and school performance.

For the 100 families of Eleson, reliable water has brought back time, health, dignity, and the opportunity to plan for a better future.