This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Jacob Hanson. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build two public hand-pumped wells in the village.
Jacob reports:
I am pleased to report that the drilling, construction, and testing of the two wells built in Tropayang Chrai Village in Chhouk District, Kampot Province, Cambodia has been completed.
Both wells were drilled to a depth of 36 meters. A cement apron was built around the wells and a hand pump was installed on both the wells. One family has been put in charge of the maintenance of the well at each location.
The water from each well was taken to a laboratory for testing. Neither well tested positive for harmful minerals, but one well had a high level of turbidity, resulting in the water from that well being deemed not potable. However, the well will be used for all water purposes other than drinking, including giving the family access to plentiful water to use for sanitation purposes.
The reaction from the community was happiness and gratitude. One woman commented on how she will no longer have a sore back and shoulders as she does not have to carry water from a far distance to use at her home. Another man stated, “I am very happy because before, life was hard during the dry season. We didn’t have any water. Now we have a well to use.”
I have already advised the families near the wells on proper water treatment for drinking water and basic disease/sickness prevention including personal hygiene. Upon my return to the village and site, I will invite the village as a whole to participate in more in-depth education sessions about proper hygiene, water sanitation, and disease prevention. My focus in this village will be to help the villagers combat the high level of sickness that is a result of the fecal oral cycle.
Thank you so much for helping me make this happen.
We in turn wish to thank Jacob for completing this project, and his friends and family for providing the funding.
