Wells Update

A grand total of 11 open wells, funded by the generosity of family, colleagues and friends from England, are now providing water to hundreds of needy people in the Stoung District of Kompong Thom. Around 40 people are benefiting from each well, and they are using the water for drinking, cooking, washing and watering crops. It has been an immensely satisfying experience for me to see the project all the way through, from the fund raising stage, to identifying the needs, agreeing the plans with the communities, watching the work progress and now to the final stage of seeing the people enjoying using their lovely new wells. The final cost was around $200 (₤100) per well, which I think is money extremely well spent. Each well has been inscribed with “Donated by Alison Ridout’s family and friends, England” - not my choice of words, but we couldn’t list everyone who had contributed.

If in the future you happen to be traveling on National Highway 6 through Stoung, keep your eyes open, as at least four wells can be seen from the road! Stop and say “suasadey” to the people you have helped – they would love to meet you! The photos show the before, during and after stages of one of the wells, plus another shows how some families collect their water.