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Down the Drain?

February 29, 2012

By Suzanne Rumsey

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Day Two ““ Down the Drain?
 by Suzanne Rumsey 

“God who separates land from the oceans, lead us to the well of living water.” 

“Water is life,” said Glen Spurrell, former PWRDF Africa program officer, Glen Spurrell.  Indeed, water IS life.  Even more than food, we need water to survive, live and thrive.  Death comes much faster to those without water than it does to those without food.  Through the Anglican Diocese of Masasi in Tanzania, PWRDF has worked with communities who know this reality all too well ““ and who have addressed their water needs through the digging of deep wells known as boreholes.  Here is their story.

For over 15 years the Diocese of Masasi has worked with communities on integrated community development projects ““ water, sanitation, hygiene, agriculture, nutrition and health care.  With PWRDF’s support the diocese most recently implemented such a program in 10 villages in the southeast Masasi region of Tanzania.

Masuguru, with a population of 2,645, is one of those villages that are being transformed. Before water was brought into this community, the women had to walk 7 kilometers to get water; a four-hour round trip.  At 70 metres deep Masuguru’s drilled borehole has guaranteed an adequate water supply during the long drought season. An adequate water supply leads to improved health, improved sanitation and increased agriculture.

The work of borehole construction and maintenance was overseen by village committees (consisting of men and women) who were trained to manage water resources and repair water pumps.  The women who have been part of these committees are proud and confident because, for the first time, they are fully involved in all aspects of managing the water supply for their community.  Accessible, clean water has given them life and changed their lives.

To support PWRDF’s work with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, please donate here.  Please make sure you enter “Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (Anglican Church of Canada)” under the “Member Designation” space.  CFGB’s reflection on All Our Eggs in One Basket can be found in the 7 Days to Tend the Earth booklet.  The Biblical passage (Psalm 107:33-43) can be found here.

“God turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.
And there God lets the hungry live, and they establish a town to live in;
They sow fields, and plant vineyards, and get a fruitful yield.”
Psalm 107:36-37

Woman at the Bore Hole in Tanzania

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