Fonte d’Acqua di Ferretti

On Thursday I had the privilege of visiting the project funded by some of my friends in Ontario, headed by Mr Joseph Ferretti, but with many others playing important roles. Back in October they threw an amazing costume party attended by a couple hundred people, through which they were able to raise $1500 to construct a clean water source in a remote area in Northern Burundi. The project involved first finding a region in particular need, where people would typically walk several kilometres to fetch water, and even then from unsafe sources. Next, the community was gathered and was informed about the project, in order to hear their stories, to gather any ideas or concerns they might have had, and then to solicit their assistance in gathering local materials such as wood and stone. In this way a mindset of community ownership was fostered to ensure that proper care would be taken of the project. After the local materials were procured, construction began. First, the land was cleared around an existing source, in this case a small spring. A large, underground concrete reservoir was installed, which was then filled with special filtration sand and gravel, through which the water slowly percolates, issuing from the faucet clean and safe for consumption. The area immediately surrounding the source was reinforced with concrete and stone for easy access and longevity, and fenced-off to avoid the entrance of livestock. Additionally, a small concrete sink with two basins was constructed just to the side, with drainage away from the source. Lastly, community representatives were given some instruction about proper hygiene when dealing with water, and how to keep good care of the project.

It really is an amazing thing, to be a part of providing something so fundamental and basic, to a community that has almost nothing. 80 families live in the vicinity of the project, which means that roughly 600 people will now have access to safe water close to their homes. Their efficiency will increase because the women and children will no longer have to spend a good portion of their day collecting water; instead, they will be able to tend to other household responsibilities and cultivation. They will be better positioned to become economically self-sufficient, and they will no longer be so plagued by intestinal diseases, a major cause of infant malnutrition and mortality.

Thanks to everyone who played a part in this project. I wish you could see it for yourself (come out for a visit and I will take you there!). But please do understand this- you’ve changed the lives of an entire community. And they are grateful for it:
Severin NYABENDA says:
“Before this water project, we were fetching unclean water. When it rained, erosion brought garbage and dirt from the mountain, infecting our drinking water. We were suffering from intestinal diseases and other illnesses; but now, having this clean water, the cases of those illnesses have decreased. We are blessed in this region because we have clean water!”Euphrasie NSHIRIMANA says:
“You can not imagine the water that we were drinking before. Often it was coloured because of mud and silt. Our children were suffering from diarrhoea, but now we have a wonderful source of clean water. We can even wash our clothes in the sink beside the source without dirtying the drinking water. May God bless the providers of this water project!”