Families: 45

Before the new water well, families in Mussa Village collected water from the Manole River. During the rainy season, they harvested rainwater from their roofs, but in the dry season, they had to dig pits into the riverbed to find water. The source was unsafe, and diarrhea was common.

Mbulumbuzi Health Center is only 1½ kilometers away, but families still needed to visit two or three times a month because of water-related illness. Now, residents say they have gone three months without a waterborne illness.

Having water nearby has also brought more rest and peace to families. Women previously had to wake up very early to collect water, leaving them exhausted and short on sleep. Now, families can sleep better and have more time at home.

Daily hygiene has improved, too. Families can bathe three times a day and wash blankets, clothes, and dishes regularly. “We are so happy to have water nearby,” residents shared.

Children are benefiting from the change as well. Chief Mussa says children are now arriving at school on time and properly clean—something that was difficult when families had to spend so much time searching for water.

For generations, Mussa Village lived without clean water. Residents say politicians had made promises for years while campaigning for votes, but this well is the first water well they have received since independence. Today, families are farming, maintaining gardens, and starting small businesses selling tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and doughnuts. After generations of waiting, Mussa Village finally has clean water close to home—and with it, better health, more rest, and peace.