New life and a new source of water
Gaining access to clean water was not the top highlight for Vahia in 2018. But that's only because of what else she got to celebrate last year.
"This is one of the best things that has happened to me this year," Vahia said, before continuing "...apart from giving birth to my son!"
Vahia's son will grow up in a community where clean water is available, but this has not always the case for those living in her Mozambique community of 1400 people.
For 20-year-old Vahia, collecting water has often been a struggle and one that was made more difficult by her pregnancy.
"Lack of clean water near our homes has been a great challenge throughout my life," Vahia explains. "[A] lack of clean water when you are pregnant is even worse. I experienced this hardship for the first time when I was pregnant with Silonia."
"Walking a long distance to collect water is much tougher when you are pregnant," she said, "It is stressful and strenuous."
"Imagine one who is heavily pregnant carrying a bucket full of water uphill from the stream. I stopped over three times in order to rest on my way back from collecting water."
"I was forced to do everything at the river in order to avoid the strenuous back and forth journey for water. I washed my clothes and took baths from there."
"When my pregnancy reached advanced stages, It was even harder to collect water. I spent the little monies I had to pay people to draw some water for me. I lost some income on water because water is life, I cannot stay without it."
Since WaterAid introduced a new water source in her village by drilling a borehole, Vahia's life has improved considerably. She no longer needs to go far to collect water and can go anytime without fear.
"I am happy I delivered a healthy baby and also as a community we have a new life of having clean water," she said.
"My hope for the future is to see my son grow up healthier than we used to since our village has clean water now."
