Organization: Cambodia Child’s Dream Organization (CCDO)
Approved Grant (through donor advised fund): $1,000
Designation: Replace the pumps on 10 water wells to bring them back into working condition
Additional Notes: This project took place in May, 2015
As a follow up from the visit to Cambodia, we have decided to continue to sponsor the building of more wells through CCDO.
There is an issue with some NGOs in Cambodia who build wells and then abandon them within a few years thereafter. Due to lack of maintenance, the pumps end up breaking and need to be replaced. This project has replaced 10 pumps on wells that have been abandoned, bringing them back in working order.
Based on our research – a core part of this issue as to why pumps break, relates to the piston seal (a part which costs $0.50 as of our last visit) not being replaced regularly after an NGO abandons a well. When it is not replaced, it erodes over time with use, which ultimately causes the pump to scratch and become unworkable. The designs of the wells and pump systems are quite simple, and ought to last indefinitely with simple maintenance measures.
On our end, it is our intention to expand on our network of wells through the future with CCDO. We have found that they have been very open with us, and will let us audit our wells from time to time. As such, we intend to keep track of each well and follow up on an annual basis to ensure maintenance has been done and that our wells will be in working order indefinitely.
As of now, we have a total of 25 wells, along with 4 wells that friends have sponsored.
Project Photos and Summaries of Field Reports:
This well serves 2 families, and will provide water for 18 people.
This well serves 1 family, and will provide water for 11 people.
This well serves 2 families, and will provide water for 13 people. The primary means of income for this family is from purchasing ice cream from the market and selling it in the villages. Their profits are quite small, not enough for daily expenses.
This well serves 2 families, providing water to a total of 13 people. The primary income source for one of the husbands is to transport in town people and items using an old motorbike.
This well serves 2 families, providing water to 15 people.
This well serves 1 family, providing water to 8 people. The family’s income comes from low paying construction jobs.
This well serves 2 families, providing water to 15 people. The family’s income comes from low paying construction jobs.
This well serves 1 family, providing water to 9 people.
This well serves 3 families, providing water for 18 people.
This well serves 1 family, providing water for 8 people.