Bringing Clean Water and Lasting Change, LIFE Builds Two Water Wells in Jimma, Ethiopia

Across sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 400 million people still lack access to safe drinking water, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF. In Ethiopia, where droughts, poor infrastructure, and rapid population growth have intensified the crisis, one in four people lives without reliable access to clean water.

The absence of safe water doesn’t just affect health; it steals time, limits education, and traps families in cycles of poverty. Women and children often bear the burden, walking hours each day to collect water that can make them sick. 

In March and April 2025, Life for Relief and Development (LIFE) completed the construction of two hand-dug water wells in Jimma, Ethiopia, providing clean, accessible water to more than 680 residents. The wells, built to an average depth of 18 meters and fitted with protective fencing and hand pumps, were established after detailed assessments and community consultations. Beyond construction, LIFE trained local water committees on maintenance and hygiene to ensure sustainability and community ownership. 

The results have already reshaped daily life. Families now collect clean water within minutes rather than hours. Women can dedicate more time to work and childcare, while children attend school regularly instead of trekking long distances. Local health workers have also reported a sharp decline in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid. 

Through initiatives like this, Life for Relief and Development continues to transform essential infrastructure into opportunity, ensuring that every drop of water brings with it health, hope, and a future worth building.