Residents of Topa can now enjoy the long-awaited benefit of clean, portable water after years of hardship. This milestone was celebrated by the community and acknowledged by Topa Chieftainess Makutso Ntoa during a site visit to monitor the water project, which was sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP) through its Anticipatory Action (AA) project.
Speaking to the visiting delegation, Chieftainess Ntoa shared the challenges her community had faced in the past. “For many years, we relied on two unprotected wells, which would dry up during the drought seasons,” she explained. This left the residents with no choice but to travel long distances in search of water. The nearest reliable water source was the Ha Manase River Valley, located two hours away from their village.
The situation was particularly difficult during the dry season when the wells would run dry by midday. “To ensure we had enough water, we were forced to wake up at midnight and walk for four hours to the river valley to fetch water,” Ntoa added, highlighting the extreme measures the community had to take to meet their daily water needs.
The new water project, made possible by WFP’s Anticipatory Action initiative, marks a significant turning point for Topa. The installation of clean, portable water sources within the village has greatly eased the daily struggles of residents, saving them time and effort while improving their health and well-being.
This project not only provides immediate relief but also ensures that the community will have access to a sustainable and safe water supply, which is crucial for their continued resilience in the face of climate challenges. For Topa residents, this is a long-awaited victory that will transform their lives for the better.
