An update letter from Misheck

Kafue Park was once a neglected and underserved area, deprived of access to clean water. However, through the efforts of Amenshi 4 Life, the situation has been transformed. Parks are meant to be havens of joy and recreation, where people can find solace and happiness. Unfortunately, in this area, there are still three nonfunctional boreholes scattered across distant locations. A community of approximately 2000 people relied on a single borehole that teetered on the brink of collapse, bearing the weight of their hopes and needs.

Our dedicated team set out to address this critical issue by repairing one borehole, drilling a new one, and identifying another in need of fixing. Our mission was clear: to establish long-lasting functionality and provide the community with the water access they so desperately deserved. We embarked on the recommended repair project, toiling tirelessly for two consecutive days. The pipes, corroded by time, had tainted the water, rendering it unfit for consumption. With great care, we replaced and repaired the pipes, pumping head, and handle. Furthermore, we diligently cleansed the borehole, eliminating stagnant water and eradicating harmful bacteria. Through these efforts, we restored the water’s purity, making it safe for drinking and all essential uses.

As for drilling, our initial plan was to establish a borehole at the school. However, due to limited space and the presence of latrines, which posed health risks to the students, we altered our strategy. Instead, we identified a different location within the community to drill a borehole, a process that took us approximately three days. Unfortunately, we encountered challenges with power supply, preventing us from capturing the entire repair process on video. The absence of electricity and solar panels in the area hindered our ability to document our work comprehensively.

Nevertheless, we managed to capture some photos and videos, albeit not to the extent we had hoped for.
In Kafue Park, there are still three nonfunctional boreholes awaiting the necessary components to restore their functionality. Given the vastness of the area, addressing all the water needs remains a challenge. Nonetheless, we took measures to seal some open boreholes, keeping them ready for potential future repairs.

Moreover, we took the opportunity to engage with the community, emphasizing the importance of borehole preservation and self-sufficiency. We encouraged them to contribute funds to support future maintenance of the boreholes, preparing them for situations when external assistance may be unavailable. Our aim was to empower the community to take ownership of their water resources, ensuring their sustainability for years to come.

Upon completing our work in Kafue Park, we turned our attention to Baluba. Situated between Kitwe and Ndola Road, Baluba is a place that had long endured the absence of water. A dry well stood as a reminder of this plight, leaving a government-owned school and its students suffering without this basic necessity. It was upon the bishop’s recommendation that we visited the school, ready to work diligently for three days. In our endeavor, we relied on the government hospital as a source of electricity. To ensure the borehole’s viability, we diligently flushed it with a copious amount of water before installing a hand pump. Leaving it open without local maintenance resources would have been impractical. Our intention was to provide not only the school-going children but also the surrounding areas with a lasting solution. With great satisfaction, we can confirm that the borehole and hand pump have been successfully installed, serving as a lifeline for the community.

This project holds a special place in our hearts as we witnessed firsthand the impact it has had on the lives of the people we served. We hope that these efforts will alleviate the struggles faced by the school-going children in Baluba, granting them access to water even after classes. Moreover, the completion of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion. By donating the borehole to the school, we extend a helping hand to the entire community, transforming their lives for the better.

In closing, we express our sincere gratitude to all those who supported and believed in the mission of Amenshi 4 Life. It is through your unwavering support that we were able to bring about change in these communities, instilling hope and providing the gift of clean water. We remain committed to our mission, ready to continue making a difference, one borehole at a time.