Families: 103 households across 7 villages
Water Committee: 5 men and 5 women

For many years, families in M’doka relied on the Namatiti River and shallow wells for their water. Households could collect only about two buckets a day, leaving families with limited water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily needs. The community had never had a water well of its own.

Unsafe water brought serious health challenges, including cholera and other waterborne illnesses. Families traveled to a clinic 20 kilometers away, often rising at 4 a.m. to make the journey on foot. These long trips added another burden for families whose main livelihood is farming.

The new 35-meter well has brought a significant change to the community. Residents report that cholera has been completely eliminated, and families say they are healthier. With reliable access to clean water, people can now bathe up to three times a day, improving personal hygiene and comfort.

The benefits extend to family life and livelihoods. Community members report greater peace in their homes, and men and women are now going to their farms together. Families grow crops such as corn and rice, and a maize mill has become another resource in the community. Residents also plan to establish backyard vegetable gardens to improve their access to fresh food.

Children attending Machomera Primary School are part of the wider community benefiting from improved water access. The information collected reports that school enrollment increased from 357 to 427 students. With water more accessible, families have greater opportunity to focus on farming, household responsibilities, and their children’s education.

Women are also contributing to the long-term management of the well. Patuma Lamosi, the committee treasurer, shared that the women feel good about their leadership roles. The committee includes five men and five women, and members are looking forward to Community-Based Management training to help them maintain the well.

For M’doka and the six other villages using the well, access to clean water has brought meaningful changes: the reported elimination of cholera, improved hygiene, greater peace at home, and more opportunities for families to work together and build stronger livelihoods.