Clean Water Brings Relief to a Woman Injured by a Notorious Terror Group
A Grandmother’s Story
Balvina Akullu, a proud grandmother of ten, smiles when she speaks of the young children. However, life wasn’t always so bright for Balvina, who resides in the remote village of Akecha B in Omoro, Uganda – an area virtually cut off from the rest of the world by road.
More than a decade ago, Akecha B’s tranquility was shattered as rebel soldiers from the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) unleashed their reign of terror upon the village. Balvina suffered severe injuries in the attack, in which she tragically lost her husband. After spending two arduous months in the hospital, she returned home to find her life in ruins.
Since that fateful attack, Balvina has faced countless challenges. Physical limitations prevent her from carrying heavy water containers, and access to clean water has become a daily struggle. The closest clean water source is over an hour’s walk away—an insurmountable distance for a woman of her age to traverse regularly. Balvina often had to rely on her neighbors for water, but more often than not, they would just walk to a nearby waterhole, returning with unsafe water. The fear of burdening her community with constant requests for water left her feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Her spirits were lifted when Drop in the Bucket arrived in the village and drilled a well. The new well, conveniently located near her house, has transformed her life in many ways. Neighbors now frequently stop by, willingly offering her clean water. Balvina joyfully recounts, “Nobody complains when I ask for water anymore. They are happy to help me, and everyone who visits me brings clean water.” Her face once again lights up with gratitude as she reflects on the impact the new well has had on her life.
The Volunteer Caretaker
Nyeko Solomon greets us warmly as we approach the well. He vividly recalls the village’s struggle for water, when they were forced to share a contaminated waterhole with livestock. “The water was tainted by animals and children who would swim in it when there were no adults to stop them,” he recounts. The arrival of the well brought him immense happiness, prompting him to volunteer as its caretaker. Each day, he diligently ensures the cleanliness of the area surrounding the well, while also urging people to keep their containers spotless. “I make sure people handle the hand pump with care. I tell them to be respectful, fill their jerricans, and depart,” he earnestly shares. “We need this well to stay working forever”.
How Things are Today in Akecha B.
Atim Nancy is the key custodian for the well. “We were thrilled to finally stop having to drink dirty water. Things are much better now for the entire village.”