After 90% of the equipment installation was completed in December of ’24, we needed to send back our well expert to increase the power of the pump. He was able to return in May of ’25, but the system broke down again due to the heavy silt deposits in the river water. This wasn’t altogether successful for long. I felt that I was at an impasse.

Then by chance in August, we made contact through one of the villagers with a retired Ethiopian man who was a retired solar water system specialist. He had worked with other NGO’s. I sent money to him and an electrician to assess the situation and he deemed it necessary to create a whole new intake system, consisting of a floating raft that could be tethered to the shore to house the pump.

He constructed and launched this, which was successful for about 2 months. Finally I was receiving photos and videos of women lined up at the 2000 gallon tank to fill their jugs! The village was truly joyous. Saha, our person in command of the system, (and on a retainer of $50./month), was in touch constantly with photos and updates.

In late October, Saha said that the river level had dropped so low that our 500 ft water pipe was stretched out too far. The raft float had dropped with the river. I contacted Tsehai, our specialist, and he has purchased new electrical wire to splice in, and will run a whole new and longer one-inch supply line pipe. This should be completed this year. I am confident we can get the water running again soon.

Jane Jacobson