How do organizations build clean water wells in Africa?

Clean water wells in Africa are possible with proper drilling and maintenance. They are also extremely needed. Multiple factors in Africa can make water unsafe to drink, cook with or even use for cleaning.

UNICEF reports, “Even where there is access to improved sources, contamination of these water sources and supply systems mainly from poor sanitation and other environmental activities is an increasing challenge in the region. For example, in Ethiopia, only 28 per cent of population with access to basic drinking water services was reported to have access to safely managed services, while in Uganda, the proportion is even much lower, standing at only 15 per cent, indicating that most of the improved drinking water sources in the region could be contaminated.”[1]

These are startling statistics for those of us who never question the source or safety of our water. We simply turn or lift the faucet and out comes clean, uncontaminated water. Africa’s population will only continue to increase, putting further demand on the scarce and essential resource of water. Keeping current water sources clean is an ongoing issue.

In order to provide clean water year round, it is best to drill to a depth that will provide water even in times of drought. GFA World has been drilling Jesus Wells for decades. We use local drilling labor to keep costs down for all involved. In Asia, the drilling goes to a depth of 600 feet. This far down, clean water is provided year round, and keeps the water source safe from contaminants from runoff, open defecation, industrial waste, micro-plastics and more.

Additionally, a Jesus Well is maintained and cared for by a local GFA congregation, who ensure that it is in good working order and that everyone has access to it. A well-cared-for Jesus Well can last 20 years with regular maintenance, providing water for 300 people per day and pumping 8 hours a day. Entire villages can benefit from the well, and it can become a place of hope and survival.

Many in Africa must travel 30 minutes or longer in order to fill containers for the day’s water needs. This is often difficult work, and the outcome could be gallons of contaminated water. You can be the one to help bring clean water within arm’s reach for an entire village through a GFA clean water project.


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