Water is a fundamental human right
In a world brimming with progress and abundance, the lack of access to a fundamental resource like clean, safe water is an unfortunate reality for millions. According to the United Nations Sustainability Goal 6, access to safe drinking water is not just a necessity—it is a basic right and fundamental human need. Yet, this right remains unfulfilled in many rural areas across the globe.
In South Africa, despite the Constitution enshrining the basic right to sufficient water, this promise often doesn’t translate into reality. This is where More Community Foundation (MCF) stepped in, taking up the mantle to provide communities in need with access to safe drinking water.
The Beginning: Huntington and Justicia B Villages
Situated in the greater Bushbuckridge area, Huntington Village is home to the highest poverty concentration in South Africa, with 70% of its residents not economically active. The scarcity of water exacerbated these challenges, with the entire community dependent on just two water stations.
Recognizing this pressing issue, MCF launched a project to install strategically placed boreholes around the village. Today, these boreholes are fully managed by the Community Development Forum, with ongoing feedback from the community, ensuring a sustainable water management plan chaired by a local committee. Now, Henna Preschool, where water was previously unavailable, has its own constant supply of fresh drinking water—benefiting the 132 enrolled learners and, by extension, their families.
The Jabez water extension project in Justicia B followed suit, marking another successful venture. Here, MCF’s efforts led to the installation of a drip irrigation system for the community garden, boosting local agriculture and food security.
Overcoming Challenges: Masuwe Primary School and Woodlands Community
The journey was not without its hurdles. In Zimbabwe, the Woodlands community and the Masuwe Primary School were constantly grappling with water scarcity due to recurring borehole thefts in 2020. Some residents were forced to rely on privately owned boreholes, while others undertook long and perilous treks to fetch water from surrounding dams.
Faced with these challenges, MCF made the strategic decision to drill three new boreholes across the Woodlands villages and install bush or hand pumps. Today, these installations are a lifeline for the community, marking their first access to clean, running water.
The Ripple Effect of Change
The impact of these water projects transcends the provision of water. They have drastically reduced the time spent on fetching water, empowered local communities to manage their resources, fostered local agriculture, and promoted health and hygiene. Above all, these initiatives have restored dignity and offered hope to communities previously defined by their struggle for water.
These success stories serve as an inspiration for the many other initiatives we have ongoing. While the water projects in Huntington, Justicia B, and the Woodlands communities have reached successful fruition, there are many other communities waiting for similar transformations.
From initiatives aiming to enhance education to those promoting sustainable conservation, there are several ways to contribute to the growth and development of these communities. We invite you to learn more about our active projects and join us in our mission.
Let’s continue transforming lives, one project at a time!
