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Committed to improving access to safe water in rural communities, Good Neighbours Canada supported the completion of a new well in Chiwena Village, located in Mumbwa District of Zambia’s Central Province. Completed on December 4, 2025, the well represents an important step in strengthening community health, daily routines, and overall quality of life.
Chiwena Village is home to approximately 1,800 residents, primarily from the Tonga ethnic group, alongside Lozi, Nkoya, Luvale, and Shona communities. Tonga is widely spoken, and agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. While the area receives seasonal rainfall, access to safe drinking water has remained inconsistent, with many households relying on shallow wells, open ponds, and seasonal streams that are often affected by contamination or dry up during periods of drought.
Before the well was constructed, accessing water required travelling long distances. Women and children were often responsible for this task, spending a significant portion of each day fetching water. This affected daily routines, including school attendance, while limited access to safe water contributed to cases of waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea and bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
The construction of the well was carried out in close collaboration with local residents, reflecting a shared effort toward improving water access. Community members remained engaged throughout the process, contributing to a collective vision of more reliable and safe water within the village.
Since the completion of the well, households are now able to access clean and safe water closer to home. This has created more time for education, livelihoods, and other daily activities, while supporting improved health and overall well-being within the community.
To support ongoing use, a Water Committee made up of local residents has been established to oversee the day-to-day management and maintenance of the well. This includes promoting proper use of the pump and supporting the care of the water point over time.
In addition, regular water quality monitoring is conducted in coordination with local authorities to help maintain safe drinking water standards and allow for timely response if needed. Together, these efforts strengthen community leadership and support the long-term sustainability of the well.
The completion of this well reflects what can be achieved through partnership and shared commitment. As access to clean water improves, children and families in Chiwena Village are better supported in their daily lives, with more time for school, work, and community activities.
Many communities continue to face similar challenges in accessing safe and reliable water. Through continued collaboration, we can help strengthen access and support community-led solutions that contribute to long-term well-being.
Are you interested in supporting access to clean water? Whether as an individual, business, or group, learn more by visiting our Clean Water page.
