The Rotary Club
of Milford has successfully completed a project to construct six hand-pump
fresh water wells for impoverished families and their children in rural
Cambodia.
Two of the wells
were constructed in Preydong and four in Rokayear – these villages are both
around 20 kms from Siem Reap.
Approximately 150
people get to share each well. Prior to
construction of the wells they were required to walk long distances to obtain
water from a similar source.
This project
developed following a talk to our club by Dr John Tan who is a lecturer at
Massey University. John has an interest
in the provision of wells to Cambodia and visits the area regularly. Subsequent discussions with Dr Tan lead to
his help with implementing the project.
With zero
Cambodian administration and management fees we were able to install these
wells at a cost of only US$161.00 each!
Clean water in
rural Cambodia remains a precious commodity as most villages still have no
clean drinking water. Water borne
disease such as typhoid and chronic diarrhea contribute hugely to the high
child mortality rate in that country.
With the success
of the management and construction of these initial six wells the club is
considering extending the project to construct further wells and inviting other
clubs to participate.
