We are excited to share the successful completion of two critical water access projects for FARM STEW programs.
Mungambata Village
In Mungambata Village, Katubya, Southern Province, a successful FARM STEW certification led to the community’s application for a borehole. Upon approval, the borehole was drilled, and it currently awaits final installation. Once completed, the borehole will provide water for 500 households in the community.
Prior to this initiative, the area had no access to boreholes. Unfortunately, the region has endured a severe drought for the past two years, exacerbating the water scarcity. Although it is a notable accomplishment, the newly constructed borehole does not fully meet the village’s water requirements. This marks the second borehole sunk by FARM STEW in the Katubya region, which encompasses approximately 80 square kilometers and is home to 16 villages and approximately 15,000 individuals.
Kabansa Village
In Central Province’s Kabansa Village, Muchinga Escarpments, a second borehole will be constructed and installed. Through the FARM STEW program, more than 40 households in this village have received certification. Surprisingly, this is the first borehole built for the village’s 1,800 households, highlighting the urgent need for additional boreholes to adequately serve the entire population
During the rainy season, this region is completely inaccessible. Conventional drilling rigs cannot make it through the treacherous roads due to the mountainous terrain, with the exception of military off-road trucks. As a result, the only viable option is to employ portable drilling machines that can be loaded onto the back of an off-road truck and transported through the mountains. This area has also been severely affected by the recent poor rains, resulting in crop failure and impending hunger for yet another year. This borehole will significantly aid the FARM STEW Community and future FARM STEW certified communities in the area.
Future Plans
In the near future, a third borehole is planned to be drilled in Chirundu, Southern Province, where the Planter has established five communities, three of which are nearing certification.
Our FARM STEW program, a life and community-transforming initiative, aims to enhance the livelihoods and well-being of underprivileged communities. Clean water access is a crucial milestone in this endeavor, as it underpins sustainable development and empowers these communities to thrive. This marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to create a brighter future for the communities we work with. To this end, we invite you to contribute to these projects by visiting wildernessgate.org/contribute.
Your support of Wilderness Gate and our efforts together with FARM STEW International play a vital role in furthering our mission in the remote areas of Zambia. We are grateful for your support and can’t wait to share the progress we’re able to make through your contributions.
