Water: A Necessity

Access to clean water is a fundamental human necessity, yet in many parts of East Africa, it is a daily struggle for people to find and access safe drinking water. Clean water sources can be scarce, and the water that is available may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants. This can lead to a range of serious health problems, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.

One solution to this problem is accessing clean water by drilling borehole wells. By drilling into the earth, people can access underground water sources that are much less likely to be contaminated. These water sources are typically found at depths of around 100-400 feet (30-120 meters), and can provide a reliable source of clean water to hundreds of people for years to come.

The process of drilling for water involves several steps:

Site selection: The first step in the drilling process is to identify an appropriate location for the well. This involves assessing the geology of the area to determine the likelihood of finding a suitable water source, as well as considering the proximity to the community that will be using the well.
Permitting and financing: Before drilling can begin, RAFIKI must obtain the necessary permits and secure funding for the project; including working with local governments and securing donations from foundations, businesses, and individuals.
Drilling: The actual drilling process involves using a rig to bore a hole into the ground, using specialized drilling equipment and techniques. The depth of the well will depend on the geology of the area and the desired yield of the well.
Pump installation: Once the well has been drilled, casing in installed to line the walls of the borehole and a pump is lowered into the casing to bring the water to the surface. This may be a manual pump, or an electric pump, or a solar pump.
Capping the well: Once the pump is installed, the well is capped with cement. Piping and water tanks are installed to store the clean water.

Drilling for clean water in East Africa is an investment in the health and well-being of communities. By providing access to clean water, organizations and communities can help to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and improve the overall quality of life for all people.