For the last six years, the community of Lokwee in Lokichogio lived under the daily burden of a relentless struggle. Women and children endured a treacherous 7-kilometer journey, barefoot and carrying heavy jerry cans, just to fetch water from the nearest source. The harsh sun and difficult terrain made this daily trek a daunting task, but it was a necessity for survival. Sadly, it wasn’t just the people who suffered—livestock, especially the donkeys that were central to the community’s livelihood, often went without enough water.

Hope arrived when the APaD team, supported by Brooke East Africa, visited Lokwee. An old, abandoned borehole that had been out of service for years was rehabilitated and transformed into a sustainable and reliable water source. Solar panels were installed, making the borehole dependable even during dry seasons. This newly rehabilitated water source would provide not only for the people but also for the community’s precious livestock, particularly the donkeys.

Today, the borehole supplies water to a 5,000-liter storage tank, which serves both the community’s taps and a water trough for the animals. This reliable water source is benefiting 480 households and 1,200 donkeys. Previously, the donkeys had to travel several kilometers to drink from distant water pans, risking theft and attacks by wild animals like hyenas along the way. With the new trough, these hardworking animals, who transport goods and water every day, are now properly cared for.

Ereng Abongolotade, the chairperson of the Lokwee water point, shared his heartfelt gratitude: “Thanks to APaD and Brooke East Africa, we finally have a reliable water source, and our community is flourishing. The hardship we endured for years has been eased, and now we have hope for the future.”

He continued, “Before APaD and Brooke EA came into our lives, we were trapped in a vicious cycle of water scarcity. We had to walk miles to Lopiding just to get a few droplets of water, and even then, it was never enough for us to drink, farm, or live the way we needed to. Our village was suffering, and our donkeys, the unsung heroes who carried our burdens, were also struggling without enough water. Now, everything has changed. The water is available for drinking, farming, and even for our donkeys, who now have a special water trough to stay hydrated and continue to serve us effectively.”

Ereng looked around with a sense of gratitude. “The community I see today fills me with gratitude. Grateful for APaD and Brooke EA, who never abandoned us, and grateful to God for the blessing of this water. But in all this gratitude, I make a humble plea: Please don’t abandon us, for much still needs to be addressed. Our community continues to grow, and with it, the needs keep increasing. But I know that with APaD, Brooke EA, and God’s continuous blessings, we will continue to thrive. A community spirit, strengthened by hardship and now empowered by the support we’ve received, will carry us forward.”

Ereng’s final words were full of hope and promise: “We will never forget the organizations and individuals who played a part in bringing us this precious resource. Now, we can drink from this water, our donkeys and livestock are staying hydrated, we can farm and uplift our livelihoods, and we can achieve so much more with your continued support.”