Water impact report - Summer 2024

An update on MCC water projects

This borehole pictured shows all parts of the finished borehole after it is drilled. The Blue tank holds water that the pump pulls from the borehole. The spicket itself is underneath the shadded grass roof next to the blue tank tower. You can see by the paths leading to the borehole that it serves the community from all directions where people are coming for water here.

Democratic Republic of the Congo — Jul 2024

menu_book Impact report

Water

July 17, 2024

Wells, buckets and jerry cans of gratitude

Three boreholes have been built in three years in Kikwit, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, because your kindness overflowed.

Marie Jeanne Kudimuka, 65, stands outside her home. — Marie-Jeanne knew her life would change if she had access to clean water in her community of Kikwit, DR Congo. Today, because of the generosity of people like you, Marie-Jeanne’s dream is now her reality as three new boreholes deliver thousands of litres of clean, safe water every day to Marie-Jeanne and her neighbours. (MCC/Fairpicture photo/Justin Makangara)

Last summer, we shared Marie-Jeanne Kudimuka’s story with you. Fleeing violence in her village, her family landed in Kikwit, DR Congo. Safe from the conflict, they faced a new threat: a lack of clean water.

Little did they know, the Kikwit community had been struggling with finding clean, safe water for two decades. Kikwit residents had endured multiple outbreaks, and even epidemics, of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and dysentery. These are diseases that make people sick and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Now, because of you, that struggle has come to an end. With your compassionate support, three new boreholes have been built in Kikwit. This life-changing solution, fueled by your kindness, ensures that 3,000 people have access to clean, safe, affordable drinking water and that disease outbreaks from waterborne illnesses are a thing of the past.

The new water tap stand is 500 metres from her front door. Today, because of you, this water is safe for her family to collect and safe to drink.

“Really, we are throwing flowers to MCC for all the work you are doing for our community!”

Dr. Jacques Kamenga Tangudiki, Health Clinic Coordinator

Kikwit, DR Congo

So much good has flowed from your generosity

Three new boreholes were dug on property owned by MCC partner, Community of Mennonite Brethren Churches in Congo (French acronym: CEFMC), where its schools, hospitals and clinics are already located. It has also created a safe environment for people to gather in and provided oversight for the maintenance of each borehole’s 5,000-litre water tower and two public taps.

Click here to learn more about MCC water initiatives.

Marie Jeanne Kudimuka fills up her water jug with clean water drawn from a recently built borehole in Kikwit.

Marie-Jeanne and her family now have access to clean, safe water close to home because of the generosity of people like you. Here, she fills up her jerry can with water in front of one of the three water towers you helped to build. (MCC photo/Gracia Felo)

A roadmap for success

Commitment: The project leaders worked in partnership with the district chief to confirm support of the project and commitment to see it succeed.
Oversight: Jacqueline Kafuti, a member of the local water committee, was appointed drilling supervisor and oversaw the construction of the third borehole. She ensured that lessons learned in the construction of the
first two boreholes were put into practice with the third.
Stimulus: During construction, many jobs were created for local labourers providing a temporary economic boost to the community.
Sustainability: The company hired to drill the boreholes trained a five-member community committee on how to operate, maintain, use and financially manage water supply systems.
Follow Up: The local committee coordinator visits each borehole once a month to identify any challenges that have popped up and implement solutions quickly.