On an arid soil and under a lot of heat, the Mozambican women walk for miles in search of water. Resilient, they travel the way back carrying gallons of up to 30 liters on their head – every day. This is a reality for many villages in Mozambique. Canhane, located in the Massingir district, Gaza province is one of them.
“This is a very large village and the FWB Community Centre serves approx. 600 people. The region is very dry and there is no water nearby” – explains Aluízio Rausch, a volunteer who participated in the humanitarian mission in March of this year. They visited several villages where the Fraternity without Borders maintains Community Centres, and made a survey about the main needs of each place and then thought about how they could help. Everywhere a specific demand always emerged: water.
“When we visit villages that do not have access to clean water, we notice problems as severe diarrhea, dehydration, malnutrition and in some cases we find malnutrition with neurovelopmental delay” – says Dr Janaíne Camargo de Oliveira, a medical doctor volunteer of Fraternity without Borders. Touched by the situation, the volunteers from March decided to join forces and are campaigning to bring clean and plentiful water to Canhane, with artesian wellspring drilling.
Jader Rodrigues was also in the humanitarian mission of March and participates in the campaign mobilizing assistance. “I felt that our brothers from Mozambique placed tremendous confidence in our modest capacity to help, and this episode touched my heart deeply. So I could see how great it was and it is the commitment of those who promote hope in the heart of others. We could not fail!” – he said.
The campaign to bring water to Canhane began mostly with WhatsApp messages. “We have other initiatives underway that have been successful, such as holding a workshop with registration fees, raffle, book sales and the traditional word of mouth. It is very important to talk to your family and friends. It’s the first step” – says Jader.
The cost for artesian spring drilling varies according to the depth of the water. A geological study in the region indicated the presence of water at 85 meters depth, but depending on the specific village it may be more. “The costs could increase from US$20,000 to US$30,000. There is no way to predict spending accurately” – explains Jader, who continues – “because the company will have to travel from the capital Maputo to the village; if water is not found at 85 meters depth, as pointed out by the geological study of the region, we will need additional funding instantly to ensure the continuity of work until water is found. If it excels 100 meters, you will most likely have to build a tower to hold the water tank, acquire piping, electrical wiring, electric pump or solar energy, among other expenses” – he explains.
So far, the volunteers have raised approx. US$ 12,000 and remain optimistic, pleased with the opportunity. From anywhere in the world, and with any amout, we can all help bring water to Africa and change the reality of families in the Canhane area. The fraternal movement has already drilled 11 wells in Mozambique and the access to water is always exciting because it is both useful and joyful – many people, for the first time in their lives, see and drink clean water. We have the dream of bringing water to all the Mozambican villages. Now we are united by Canhane.
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Give as much as you can. The source of water for Africa is our heart.
Fraternity Without Borders international:
https://www.fraternitywithoutborders.org/en
Fraternity Without Borders UK:
https://www.fraternitywithoutborders.co.uk/
