In the southern region of Zambia, which includes Lower Zambezi Valley, one of the primary water sources is the Zambezi River. This river is the fourth largest in Africa and sustains a multitude of species and populations. 

Outside of the river, clean water sources are limited, and there is a great need to bring additional wells, also called boreholes, to villages throughout the region.

Like any place, clean water is essential for drinking, public health, domestic use and food production. A more sanitary water supply can improve the livelihood of the people in Zambia’s remote villages, and better water management can boost their social and economic growth. 

“Everyone in villages should have access to safe, clean and sustainable drinking water,” said Besa Kaoma of Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the wildlife and natural resources of the Lower Zambezi region.

According to CLZ, more boreholes will also help reduce human-wildlife conflict. Near the Zambezi River, villagers often encounter wildlife like elephants, hippos and crocodiles when fetching water from the same source. This can be cause for concern as both animals and people compete for the same supply and threaten each other’s safety and well-being. More wells in local villages will help bring harmony to humans and the wildlife that also need to access water from the river.  

CLZ’s goal is to build more boreholes to supply drinking water for about 400 villagers. With proper funding, CLZ can build these boreholes in several villages to increase access to clean water and improve human welfare throughout the region. 

The cost for a single water well is around $5,000 because drilling companies must travel far and navigate difficult terrain with a drilling machine to build one. The more boreholes they can drill, the lower the cost will be per well. 

Last year, Africa Hope Fund supported efforts to drill three new wells in the South Luangwa Valley, and we hope to raise additional funds to support CLZ’s efforts to bring more clean water to Lower Zambezi. With your help, we can protect wildlife and improve the quality of life for the people living in the villages of southern Zambia.