EBZEF Water Project
The Need for Water
The EBZEF Water Project is a vital initiative that has transformed access to clean and safe water in Lumwana West, Zambia. Recognizing that water is not just a basic need but a cornerstone of health, education, and community well-being, EBZEF worked alongside local leaders to address the critical water challenges faced by the community.
As Lumwana West grew, particularly with the expansion of educational facilities supported by EBZEF, the lack of reliable access to clean water became increasingly evident. Students and teachers faced daily struggles to find safe drinking water, often relying on distant or unreliable sources. This not only affected school attendance but also posed serious health risks, especially during the dry season when traditional water sources would diminish.
Water scarcity was more than an inconvenience—it was a barrier to education. Children frequently missed classes to help their families collect water, and poor sanitation impacted the health and well-being of students, making it difficult for them to thrive in school environments.
Used to Carry Water from Afar
Ladies Getting Water Today
Beth's Girls Enjoying Clean Water
Water Tanks

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EBZEF’s Response to the Water Crisis
Determined to address this urgent need, EBZEF partnered with local leaders, international donors, and the Zambian Ministry of Education to implement sustainable water solutions. The organization funded the construction of boreholes strategically placed near schools, ensuring that students, teachers, and community members had easy access to clean, potable water.
In December 2018, the community celebrated the long-awaited installation of a solar-powered borehole, bringing water to the secondary school, teachers' houses, and the health clinic. Women, who previously had to walk two miles to carry water on their heads for family use, now have clean, potable water readily available for daily needs. This milestone was made possible through the successful partnership between the community, EBZEF, and World Vision Zambia (WVZ). The water network included 36 taps providing water to all current teachers' houses, ablution blocks, the maternity wing, health staff houses, and designated areas for future buildings, such as additional teachers' houses, classrooms, and the science lab.
However, it soon became clear that the water system required a deeper borehole (from 45 meters to over 60 meters) to supply all these taps without interruption. WVZ planned further drilling in May 2019 to address this need. Meanwhile, the Community Water Committee devised a fair and innovative rationing system, allowing everyone to access fresh water at designated times of the day. A local caretaker routinely checks the system and repairs any leakages, ensuring continuous water supply.
After the rainy season ended in May 2019, WVZ increased the borehole depth to over 60 meters (197 feet), significantly improving water availability and ensuring unbroken operation of the water pump without stoppages. The water system was officially handed over to the community upon completion.
In December 2023, EBZEF funded a new borehole, bringing transformative improvements to Lumwana West. Larry Njolomba reports, “It is very, very exciting out here! The new pump is working. Everything has been fixed. Tanks are filling up, and water now runs 24 hours without interruption.” This development has made ablution blocks at both secondary and primary schools fully functional, addressing sanitation issues, especially for girls. Preschool learners now have safer, more hygienic waterborne lavatories, replacing the previous pit latrines.
Science labs, which could not function without water, are now fully operational. The fear of school closures due to health hazards is over, and the community takes great pride in this achievement.
In December 2023, EBZEF funded a new borehole, bringing transformative improvements to Lumwana West. Larry Njolomba reports, “It is very, very exciting out here! The new pump is working. Everything has been fixed. Tanks are filling up, and water now runs 24 hours without interruption.” This development has made ablution blocks at both secondary and primary schools fully functional, addressing sanitation issues, especially for girls. Preschool learners now have safer, more hygienic waterborne lavatories, replacing the previous pit latrines.
Science labs, which could not function without water, are now fully operational. The fear of school closures due to health hazards is over, and the community takes great pride in this achievement.
The Water System Infrastructure
- The upgraded water system now supplies water to all staff houses and classrooms at both the primary and secondary schools, the girls’ lavatories, and the nearby rural health clinic. This comprehensive system includes:
- A deep borehole (over 60 meters)
- Solar panels
- A pump
- Two 10,000-litre (2,642-gallon) tanks
- Extensive piping
- 36 water taps installed at all teachers’ houses, classrooms, ablution blocks, the maternity wing, and health staff house
The sustainability of the water system is supported by the Lumwana West Community Water Committee, which collects a monthly levy to cover maintenance costs. The committee contributes 2,000 Zambian Kwacha ($170) annually to insure the water system. A local caretaker routinely checks the system and performs repairs to address leakages and ensure continuous water access.
The Impact of the Water Project
- The impact of the EBZEF Water Project has been profound. With reliable access to clean water:
- Student attendance has improved significantly, as children no longer need to miss classes to fetch water.
- Health outcomes have improved, with fewer cases of waterborne diseases reported among students and community members.
- Sanitation practices have been enhanced in schools, creating healthier learning environments.
- Beyond the classroom, the availability of clean water has strengthened the community as a whole, reducing the daily burden of water collection, particularly for women and girls.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the EBZEF Water Project has made remarkable progress, challenges remain. Ongoing maintenance of boreholes and water infrastructure is essential to ensure long-term sustainability. As the population of Lumwana West continues to grow, there is also a need for additional water access points and continued investment in water management systems.
A Legacy of Lifesaving Impact
The EBZEF Water Project is more than just an initiative—it is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. Through continued support and partnerships, EBZEF continues to strive to ensure that the people of Lumwana West have the water they need to live healthy, dignified, and empowered lives.