Africa Needs Water

While on my mission trip to africa in June 2009 I became aware of the importance of fresh drinking water.  Something I had taken for granted my entire life is not something readily available to others.

Water System at orphanage

This is a small water system at one of the orphanages I visited in Zambia Africa.

Although this is a very small and fragile water source it is good by African standards because it is on the property.  In poor areas there are few homes with plumbing inside the home.  Residents use a community well.  These wells are being PRIVATIZED all over Africa.  What that means is that the governments are hiring Corporations to take over the water supplies.  Corporations are for Profit. Corporations do not give their product away.  In some areas where there is water the residents do not have the money to pay for it so they return to the lakes, rivers and streams where they are at high risk for disease.  The documentary FLOW by Irena Salinas goes into great detail about these water issues in Africa and other problems with the lack of clean water around the world.

Flow the film – Award winning documentary

Victoria Falls - Photo by Robert Perrin

Water everywhere but not a drop to drink. When fresh water is not available people return to rivers and lakes.  Drinking water that has not been treated is a major cause of disease in Africa.

Water Tower, Zambia Africa Photo By Robert Perrin

Where there are water systems, most are too small for the populations they serve.

Over one billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water. That’s one in six of us.  Profits from my African documentary will go directly to this problem.  I plan to partner with Charity water to build more wells in the most needed areas.  It only cost $4,000.00 to build a well in Africa.  Wells make a difference!

Unsafe drinking water from lakes and rivers and  streams along with the lack of basic sanitation cause about eighty percent of all sickness and disease in Africa.  This is preventable and we, yes you and I can do something about it.

Unsafe water Kills more people each year than ALL THE WARS on the planet!

I may not be able to stop a war, but with your help I can dig a well.

If you are walking miles to get water every day that is time you cant go to school, or work, in some locations even walking long distance is no guarantee  the water will be there and now with PRIVATIZATION rampant in developing nations many just cant afford the cost no mater how small.

World Wide forty two thousand people die every week from lack of safe water & sanitation. Ninety Percent of the those are  children who have not seen their fifth birthday.

Manuel - Zambia Africa 6-09

In addition to building wells I plan to return to Africa to document the construction and confirm for myself with my camera that we are paying to give people FREE water.   I hope you get as  inspired about his issue as I am.  Lets make this happen.

Buy the Documentary Video of our June Mission Trip   will be available soon

Learn how you can make a difference  visit the  Charity Water Web Site