The Tabitha Wells Program

Cambodia is a tropical country with abundant rainfall during the wet season (May to October) and almost no rain in the dry season (November to April). In the countryside, families use water from wells for drinking, bathing and washing as well as for animals and to irrigate crops. Unfortunately, during the Pol Pot years, most wells were destroyed.

Drinking water: In areas with no safe wells, drinking water is taken from open ponds or rivers which may be polluted with excreta or chemicals. Villagers (and most importantly children) often develop diarrhea, and other serious infectious diseases.

Irrigation: Crops, especially rice, are grown during the wet season. However, it is so dry during the dry season that crops cannot be grown unless extra water is available. Families with wells are able to grow crops year-round. During the dry season they can grow “6-week’ vegetables, including “morning glory”, peas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. greatly increasing food and income security.

Types of Wells

Three types of wells are used in Cambodia – the type used depends on the type and quality of water available.

• Tube wells: A pipe is bored 50-60 metres down to the water table and a hand pump is used to pump water to the surface. A cement apron is placed around the well. Tube wells supply water for 5 families (40 people).
  Cost: AUD150 (for a well and hand pump)

   

• Open wells: A 10-15 metre hole is dug and cement pipes are used to keep the well open – these rise more than 1 metre from the ground. Tops are placed over the well to prevent pollution and villagers are taught about keeping the well clean. Open wells supply water for 5 families (40 people).
  Cost: AUD150

   

• Community ponds: Community ponds are often used in rocky land. Up to 250 families dig a huge hole – about 10 metres X 12 metres. Cement and steel straps are used to form sides and steps into the pond. Community ponds supply water for 250 families (2000 people).
  Cost: AUD2,000

   

• Water jars: In addition, earthen water jars are used to store well water or to collect rain water.

Providing safe and reliable water is a vital part of the Tabitha Community Development program. Tabitha gives 85% of the funds required for each new well – the families provide the balance via the “savings” program. Tabitha is currently providing 80-100 new wells per month throughout Cambodia and wishes to increase this number as much as possible.

HOW TO HELP:

Tabitha Foundation Australia will send 100% of the your donation to Cambodia for the construction of wells. A tax receipt will be provided. For larger donations, and on request, we can provide details of the number of wells provided and the villages in which they were constructed.

In summary:

• AUD150 will build a well providing water for 5 families (40 people).
• AUD1,500 will build 10 wells providing water for 50 families (400 people).
• AUD15,000 will build 100 wells providing water for 500 families (4,000 people)

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Water contamination is a serious and significant problem in Cambodia. Tabitha is very proud to be a recognised part of the solution and not contributing to the associated problems.All Tabitha wells are considered safe! There is an ongoing program of testing and independent verification. Details are available if required.