SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate human suffering, the American relief organization, Life for Relief and Development (Life) has recently dug 45 water wells in rural areas of Africa and Afghanistan, where the residents have suffered from severe water shortages, and will dig 51 more wells in the upcoming few months.
Presently in the Horn of Africa, especially in Somalia, the people are suffering from a severe drought and many villages in this region are in desperate need of hand dug water wells for survival.
This drought has led to an acute shortage of clean drinking water in the region resulting in regular outbreaks of diarrhea, cholera, and often death. Villagers walk an average of 15 km to retrieve water that is often contaminated. Some never return home from the essential but difficult journey because of fatigue.
Hand dug water wells are shallow wells, ranging from 15 to 20 meters in depth. After digging the well, a concrete wall is built in the well to preserve its longevity. Then a concrete base of 1.5 meters above the surface is also built. A hand pump is then installed at the middle of the concrete base to pull water to the surface which is the point of water distribution for public use.
Life has implemented these water wells in Somalia, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Due to the urgent need for clean water in these countries, Life will dig an additional 51 water wells, 48 in Africa and 3 in Afghanistan.
Commenting on the Water Well Program, Life's President & CEO Dr. Mujahid Al-Fayadh stated, "Providing clean drinking water for local communities in Africa and Afghanistan aims first and foremost at saving lives from dehydration and thirst, but also goes further towards preventing water-borne diseases. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to make a difference in the part of the world that desperately needs clean drinking water."
For further information on these relief efforts or on how to help, please visit www.lifeusa.org or call 1-800-827-3543.
SOURCE Life for Relief and Development
