For over five months, Fair Future Foundation has been drilling wells in Laindatang, one of the world’s most arid regions.
Since August 9, 2024, we have been testing the wells we’ve drilled, a crucial step toward ensuring access to water for local communities.
Yesterday, we captured a series of original photos on the site of the Water Connections project, where we have been working for over five months on phase 3 in Laindatang. Since February 15, 2024, we have been here daily, drilling with our machine to find water in one of the world’s driest regions. It’s an exhausting task, both physically and mentally, in conditions where every drop of water is precious.
Today, August 9, we are in the testing phase. Fair Future acquired a 1.5 HP pump this week to test the three wells we have drilled since February. The work is far from easy. The roads here are impassable for cars and trucks as the Truck of Life. However, we managed to bring our trucks to the site, including our water tanker truck, because, paradoxically, much water is needed for drilling. This was made possible by the construction, by hand, of a nearly eight-kilometre path and by the fortunate timing of the dry season, which allows us to pass through the fields.
We are currently testing the wells. Evaluating the results and deciding on the next steps will take another week. The initial tests show we must continue drilling, as the water flow remains insufficient. The struggle continues so that the families of Laindatang and Hambarita can have more water and hope for a better life. We are not giving up and remain determined to continue this fight.
Please have a look at the Laindatang Water Connections Map here.
We cordially invite all captivated by this story to explore our photo gallery, witness this extraordinary effort, and further engage with our mission through our Instagram account.
Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – The 9th of August 2024
