40 New Wells Bring Clean Water to Over 60,000 People in 2020
By Ezequiel Nhantumbo, Mozambique Representative
It was awesome to see how excited hundreds people were when the solar systems were switched on, allowing water to run on taps. Immediately women with buckets lined up and collected water. Government and church leaders helped women carry the containers onto their heads and off to their homes. The women soon returned to the event, respecting the COVID-19 health protocol. Bishop Joaquina Nhanala was accompanied by members of her Cabinet, Mozambique Initiative representative Ezequiel Nhantumbo, the governor of Inhambane province Francisco Chapo, and the administrator and mayor of the city of Maxixe at the dedication of the Macuamene (Bato) well. In what he considered a healthy cooperation, Chapo recalled the rich history of the United Methodist Church from back in 1890 to date as well as its involvement in the renewing of ethics and moral values of the people of Mozambique, education, and public health development.
“We have seen a lot being done by Methodists here and there," Governor Chapo said. "You are helping meet government efforts in many areas of social and economic development. Thank you to our partners of the Missouri Conference for playing an important role in Mozambique. We are looking for smart, sustainable solutions, and this is the most suitable, sustainable means of rural development and you are providing clean water to thousands of people.”
Bishop Nhanala had already gone to two other well dedications in Chicuque UMC mission station.
“May this water helps baptize souls to be taken to Christ and in the proclamation of the gospel," said Bishop Nhanala while cutting the ribbon and presenting the wells. "Jesus preached to many Samarithans while gathered around a well of Jacob. They believed and responded saying: Alone we heard that this is truly the Savior … when the children of Israel arrived to Elima and found 12 water wells, they placed their tents. May this well bring together many people to drink from it.”
In her speech Nhanala expressed profound gratitude to the Missouri Conference for helping meet, among others, water needs in communities.
Solar panel systems harness the sun's energy and bring water up and into a holding tank. From this container, clean water is piped directly to a fountain and few additional homes, whose households contribute back some resources to help maintain the system. Residents can also access the tank to water their gardens and drinking for animals.
Reliable access to safe, clean water means that drinking, cooking, washing, watering crops and animals, and washing hands in time of COVID-19 no longer pose a risk of illnesses, such as malaria, cholera and diarrhea. It means children and women, who typically must walk miles to collect water for their families, now have a source nearby, allowing them more time for school and church activities. Wells provide an opportunity to deliver the word of God and invite people to know Christ.
Thanks for your support, partners in mutual ministry. You have helped build this year an incredible 40 wells and water systems, and additional sources being included, bringing clean water to little over 60,000 people! But there are still so many that need our help. We are hopeful for what God will provide in 2021!
