Masaka Cell is a community of about 8,336 residents, yet only 30% can reliably access safe water. Most households depend on distant wells, untreated wetlands, or river water for daily use. On a good day, Claudine and neighboring residents can move for over 4 kilometers to find safe water. But most days, they collect untreated water from a wetland about 800 meters from Claudine’s home. But even the short distance involves carrying heavy jerrycans up steep and slippery paths, risking falls and injury. In the wider community, families have reported crocodile attacks while fetching water from rivers. Additionally, children lose school time because they spend mornings searching for water, while parents lose productive work hours. The lack of access to safe water results in diseases spreading and life completely slows down.

Claudine was thrilled to learn that ForAfrika in Rwanda is drilling a borehole in Masaka Cell. This water source will provide reliable and safe water access to 1,575 people in the community, which will tremendously reduce the community’s exposure to waterborne diseases and the risk of collecting water from unsafe routes. ForAfrika is working with local leaders and the community to ensure that work responds to real needs, and it is sustainable. To date, ForAfrika has successfully completed site assessments and is currently in the process of drilling the borehole.

Like many families in the community, Claudine and her son see the borehole as a turning point and a promise of a safe future. The borehole is an assurance that her son will soon drink clean water without the risk of falling sick, while also reducing clinic visits and lowering medical costs for the family. It also means that he will go to school on time and stay in class. Proximity to the borehole also offers the promise that Claudine will have more time to care for her son and actively participate in economic activities, as she will no longer spend hours walking in search of safe water. For women and girls, it represents relief from the heavy burden of carrying water across risky terrains.

In a community where water shapes daily decisions, this intervention is a reminder that no access to safe water, and freedom to preventable illness is a right, not a privilege.