Early morning at the Pangwe borehole site, women carrying water containers, children playing nearby, and the hum of life filling the air. For the women of Pangwe community in Choma District, the daily struggle for water has been an enduring challenge. With each sunrise, they embarked on long, exhausting journeys to fetch water from distant sources, sometimes walking several kilometres. The burden was heavier during the 2023-2024 drought period when wells dried up, crops failed, and livestock suffered.
“Last year was especially hard,” recalls Mary Nchimunya, a mother of four. “The rains did not come as expected, and the rivers we depended on dried up. Our animals had nothing to drink, and we had to ration water even for cooking and drinking.”
During a project monitoring visit by representatives from ADRA Zambia and Jersey Overseas Aid, the community voiced their dire need for a sustainable water source. ADRA Zambia, through the Jersey Breed Focused Dairy Development Project, had already been supporting smallholder farmers with training in good dairy management practices, but it became clear that water access was a critical issue that needed urgent attention.
Recognizing the pressing need, ADRA Zambia, with support from Jersey Overseas Aid, stepped in to provide a long-term solution. A borehole powered by solar energy was drilled, extracting clean underground water and storing it in an elevated tank. The facility now serves 13 villages, benefiting approximately 195 households.
“It is like a dream come true,” says Beatrice Hamukale, a Pangwe resident. “We no longer have to wake up in the dark and walk for hours just to fetch a bucket of water. Our children can go to school on time, and we can spend more time taking care of our families and farming.”
For the women and young girls of Pangwe, the impact of this borehole extends beyond convenience—it is a lifeline. Access to safe water has significantly reduced the risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, a common threat in many rural communities. Additionally, the availability of water has revived hope for small-scale farming, ensuring that households can grow food to sustain their families and livestock.
“ADRA has truly transformed our lives,” shares a grateful community elder. “We pray that such developmental initiatives continue so that many more villages can receive this kind of support.”
As the sun sets over Pangwe, the borehole site remains a symbol of resilience and renewal. Laughter echoes as women fill their buckets with clean, life-giving water—a simple necessity that has now become a source of dignity and empowerment for the entire community.
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