For a number of years, Delta Kits has been working with the non-profit Living Water International with the mission of bringing clean, potable water to communities without access to this vital resource.
In the first half of 2011 Delta Kits contributed to multiple clean water projects in the towns of Gardnerville and Schieffelin Town in the country of Liberia. With combined populations of 7,500 people, unsanitary drinking water in these communities resulted in people suffering from typhoid, malaria, diarrhea and severe dehydration. In Schieffelin Town, the previous water source was 5 kilometers away and would often run completely dry during the dry season.
The projects took existing open source and contaminated wells and replaced them with sanitary closed wells that will provide a clean and constant supply of water. Community members were also taught about water hygiene as well as how to care and maintain the new wells. Each community also elected local leaders who are responsible for future management of the wells.
After a 14 year civil war killed hundreds of thousands and forced many others to flee the country, Liberia’s infrastructure fell into severe disrepair. With 80% of the population living below the poverty line, outside resources are critical for these communities to improve their living conditions.
In the United States we take clean water for granted, but as this month’s inspirational message reminds us, we reap what we sow. We know many Delta Kits customers share our commitment to helping the needy and hope everyone with a few extra coins in their pocket will join us in providing this basic need to our brothers and sisters all over the world.
The two photos below show the original open well and the finished well that provides a safe and reliable water sources for the local population.