How we all take water for granted. At the turn of a tap we can drink water, brush our teeth, shower, water the garden and wash the car; fill the washing machine, dishwasher and swimming pools, the list is endless, all of which can be done with very little effort. However when there has been no rain for at least six months, and the streams and water holes dry up, finding water becomes a difficult task. People living in remote African communities have to walk great distances to get water, carrying their heavy load in containers collected from bore holes and rivers. To these people water is not taken for granted it is a very precious commodity.  

Water –  a chemical substance that is essential to all forms of life.

Photo: Collecting drinking water from a pool by the river

During my recent trip to Zambia I learnt much about the difficulties concerning water, which most people living in rural communities have to endure. The Mukuni Health Centre was receiving only thirty minutes a day of running water. ‘How can I do my job when there is no water?’ Josephine, the medical officer asked me on my arrival at the clinic. For four months the old metal water tanks had been leaking causing low pressure to the pumps at the bore holes. It was six months since the rains and the situation was becoming desperate.  

This led me to start a new water projects such as Chise needs water. Firstly by doing a survey of the water facilities in the main village and then going out into the more remote areas where some villages entirely depend on river water. I was told that in one community, where the people had to rely on river water, crocodiles were in such abundance that they were terrorising the people, so I went to investigate.  

During our journey through the bush I was asked to bring the truck to a halt when one of my fellow travellers spotted Chief Mukuni’s 4×4. Much to my horror placed in the back of the truck was a dead crocodile; a grotesque monster that lurks motionless on the banks of the river waiting for its prey. We then proceeded towards the river and saw people collecting their water. The reeds were high and the grasses long making good camouflage for these beastly predators. The children were kneeling down dipping their mugs into the nearby pool and drinking this murky, stagnant water. The area is more fertile than the sandy knoll of Mukuni Village and most of the vegetables consumed in the villages are grown here, after which they are transported by donkey and cart or in most cases by foot.  

Photo: Leaking water tanks at Mukuni Village

On my return to the UK I contacted Water Aid to seek assistance. I was told that they had recently been working in the Southern Province, however the Zambian government had asked them to move to another area in greater need. What greater need is there than to provide a bore hole for people being terrorised by crocodiles? In less then two weeks I am delighted to say that Saga Charitable Trust has generously agreed to provide the necessary funds to replace the nine leaking tanks at Mukuni Village. Our Zambia Water Appeal and water projects are underway.