St Andrews Rotary helps support life-saving water wells in Cameroon

One of six new water wells in Gamboura, northern Cameroon, partly paid for by a donation from St Andrews Rotary Club.

The generosity of St Andrews citizens has helped dramatically reduced deadly water borne diseases in an area of northern Cameroon.

The village of Gamboura regularly suffered water shortages during the dry season from October to June.

Deaths from water borne diseases were common. Farm animals died and children’s school attendance suffered.

A contribution of £1000 from St Andrews, via the town’s rotary club, helped pay for the sinking of six water wells.

The whole project, costing £51,000, was completed before the rainy season, and has changed the lives of the 12,000 and the Gambourians .

The villagers has hoped to express their gratitude publicly at the annual general meeting of the Gamboura development committee, but public meetings are currently banned in the region because of the terrorist situation resulting from the activities of Boko Haram.

However, Pastor Jean Tchao, on behalf of the development committee, passed the thanks of the Gamboura village chiefs, the committee and the whole population of Gamboura.

He said: “Water borne disease has virtually disappeared and school attendance has improved greatly. The economy of the village has benefitted as the animals such as the goats and cattle no longer die of thirst.

“The project has brought life to the village as water truly is life. Our thanks and gratitude go to all who have contributed, and all who made this happen.”