Laindatang Drilling Operation Temporarily Halted and Fair Future Changes Course as a Result!
After Nine Months of Drilling Efforts, Fair Future Foundation Turns to Rainwater Harvesting Solutions to Overcome Challenges in Laindatang.
How to drill a very deep well in an inaccessible and ultra-dry region.
I want to share an important update about our Water Connections drilling project in Laindatang. After over nine months of dedicated effort under challenging conditions, we have temporarily halted the drilling operations. This decision is based on practical reasoning and technical and geological factors. It has become clear that proceeding under these circumstances, with minimal likelihood of locating a stable water table, is not viable at this point.
Tomorrow, 5 October 2024, we will gather with the villagers and all our teams—comprising water specialists, logistics personnel, and medical staff—to concentrate on constructing a rainwater harvesting tank that can hold roughly 100 cubic meters. This tank will incorporate our own filtration systems to ensure safe, clean water storage for the village residents. After finalizing this project, we plan to continue drilling with renewed solutions,.strenght and determination in search of an accessible water table.
Over these nine months of intensive work at the Laindatang site, we have drilled three wells, two reaching nearly 100 meters deep. We successfully found water in each well; however, the subsoil’s subsoil’ sity presented a significant challenge. Landslides frequently occur and clog our wells repeatedly—damaging equipment and casing—and compel us to dig for clearing or reinforcement purposes manually. This situation is extremely hazardous, and we must prioritize the safety of our drilling team by avoiding unnecessary risks.
“The temporary halt in Laindatang’s drilling is not an end but a new beginning. Our focus now shifts to rainwater harvesting—ensuring these families have clean water to survive and thrive.” – Alex Wettstein, CEO and Founder, Fair Future Foundation
Moreover, the issue lies not in water scarcity but in the limitations of our equipment. Our existing machine drills with a maximum diameter of 6 inches; however, to stabilize the wells and ensure reliable access to water for this village, we need an 8-inch drill capacity. This is why acquiring a larger drilling machine that operates on a pneumatic system would be beneficial—it requires minimal water during drilling operations.
After nine months of immense effort, we have decided to temporarily halt this operation with deep regret. Our focus now shifts to finding the best possible solution for the hundreds of people living in Laindatang who face challenging conditions during the dry season.
As is our practice, we will update you on the next steps as soon as possible. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and invaluable assistance. Together, we’ll work to enhance the lives of these communities.
Today, October the 4th, 2024 – Alex Wettstein
Our strength and determination are behind this pivotal moment
For nine months, we have fought tirelessly to ensure that this deep borehole provides water in quantity and quality to all the villagers. This is not a setback but a pivotal moment in our journey, a turning point.
While sadness and disappointment may linger, we remain steadfast and determined. Our strength and motivation are as robust as ever, and we are mentally prepared for the next phase of our mission.
Our goal remains constant: to ensure that these villagers and their children have sufficient access to water. This is another chapter in our quest, pushing us forward with renewed determination.
