Bankholo appeal update

Margaret no longer has to drink this unsafe water as she can collect safe water from the new borehole.

Credit: WaterAid / Jane Scobie

In February we appealed for help to replace the borehole pump and engine for the people living in Bankholo, Tanzania. The response was overwhelming and thanks to your support safe water is now flowing from the village taps.

Many of you will have received our appeal explaining how Margaret, along with her children and the 3,122 other people of Bankholo were often ill and even at risk of dying because the only water they had to drink was dirty and unsafe. "Do you see our problem?" she said. "We are sick. We need clean water urgently."

In Bankholo the whole community was suffering because the pump on their village borehole broke down years ago. But thanks to your support, many changes have taken place since April 2007.

The pump and engine have been installed and a pump house built. Three 20,000 litre storage tanks have been constructed, with distribution pipes laid to taps around the village. Two pump attendants have also been trained to ensure the water continues to flow long into the future.

Having access to safe, clean water has started to transform village life. Margaret now has time to earn an income, grow vegetables, clean and cook. Children have more time to go to school, like Disckson, who said "We no longer walk distances to fetch water for our school. Our classes will be cleaned frequently instead of at the end of term and our latrines will be clean."

Thank you once again for your generous support which has helped bring safe, clean
water to the people of Bankholo, giving them health and hope for a better and brighter future.