CWM

CWM sponsored rings wells offers much more than water in Manipur

Friday, 16 May 2008 10:53

The concrete ring wells sponsored by the Council for World Mission in the churches under the Manipur Presbyterian Church are even a source of livelihood besides providing good potable drinking water in areas where even the few government water supply lines seldom carry water, Anto Akkara writes from Manipur.

"The church well here has given me a lifeline," said Giangzamang Khuptong who earns a living selling water to families that can afford to pay for the service. Khuptong now sells one cycle-rickshaw load of water in 12 jerry cans that can carry 20 litres each for Rs 40 (95 cents).

Khuptong who earlier struggled to feed his family with his daily wage of Rs 80 (below $ two) now earns daily upto $ 10 a day making daily a dozen trips to the well in the Presbyterian social service centre compound except on Sundays (when it is closed) at Churachnandur in Manipur.

Rev Vanmawia, senior executive secretary of the Manipur Presbyterian Church Synod, said his church has dug 18 wells with concrete rings to prevent landslip costing over Rs 36000 ($900) each – sponsored by CWM with the local congregation also contributing part of the expenses.

"This has been a big relief for us," said Lhiangboi, a Pentecostal housewife who has been drawing water for the family from the well at the Presbyterian church opposite to her house at Tuibuang area in Churachandpur.

"Earlier, we had to walk over a kilometer to fetch water from the river," said Lhiangboi. "The river water used to turn very muddy when it rained as the area is surrounded by hills. But, since this well was built two years ago, life has been very easy for me." She used to spend at least couple of hours daily fetching water from the river carrying water jars on her head.

Further, she pointed out that since the water from the church well is 'very clean' children in the three dozen families that rely on the church well are free from recurring diahorrea.