The story of bringing water to Kandale is one that resonates across the globe. It is a timeless story, whether it is the absence of water, the depletion of water or the discovery of life giving water deep in the ground. Colette has returned to Kinshasa after six weeks in Kandale and she has had time to reflect on this life changing experience, or rather ‘lives’ changing experience. To quote her, “There are no words to describe the profound impact this project has made on the community. All our expectations were seriously underestimated.” With access to water, all the basic water needs of the community have been met, drinking, cooking, washing hands, and bathing to identify but a few.
As Colette describes it, there is a new hum, a growing joy in the conversations, a laugh that comes from deep within a person and lingers in the smiles. There is no longer the need to choose how the water is used or the worry of how one 25-liter bidon will last the day. People no longer need to recycle the water from washing the vegetables to washing the dishes or bathing. Even the children have started a water delivery business! People chuckle to themselves that they cannot imagine that water flowed beneath their feet all this time. “It’s magical!” And people have adapted quickly, they are very dismissive about the thought of going to the spring, “No one goes there anymore”. Having water is now a way of life, but it is not taken for granted.
With access to water children no longer need to descend into the valley to retrieve water for the household. They can wash before classes and arrive on time for their lessons. Now that water is readily available people in the community have begun to observe other areas that need attention. For Colette, she has observed that the high school students are forever repairing their ‘temporary’ classrooms of grass and palm fronds. This constant repair impacts the continuity of their lessons and is a poor protection in the rainy season. Six weeks ago, after a severe downpour, one of the school’s classrooms collapsed. It was an, ‘all hands on deck’, moment to repair the structure. The students all pitched in by cutting grass while others cut palm fronds for the structure.
Students studying for their Exams D'États.
Five years ago Dr. Karl Klontz reached out to RKF about the possibility of bringing solar power to Kandale. The idea of electricity to run a few light bulbs and charge several laptops was considered an excellent opportunity, but the greater potential was still to come. The addition of 10 new panels now provides power to operate the water pump. Kandale presently has 40 operating solar panels. Solar power has connected the Kandale community to the world, and the world to this community. Like water, the impact of solar panels on Kandale community was way underestimated.
With water, the garden continues to grow through the dry season, and the forest continues to expand. It is a source of great pride. The arrival of water has had an immediate and obvious impact on the community, and the subtle changes will continue to be a source of revitalization.
