graziella@friendsofhumanity.ch is organizing this fundraiser.
A village waiting for water
In the rural commune of Kingwangala, deep in the Kwango Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, families have lived for generations without access to clean water. Every day, women and children walked long distances — often climbing and descending steep paths — to reach unprotected streams. These water sources were shared with animals, polluted by runoff, and contaminated by human waste after every rainfall. Drinking this water meant risking disease; not drinking it meant risking dehydration. The result was devastating: malnutrition affected two out of every five people in Kingwangala, and waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera were part of everyday life. Infant mortality remained alarmingly high. For the women and children who spent hours fetching water, education and other opportunities were often out of reach.
From crisis to action
In July 2025, the humanitarian organization Friends of Humanity (FOH), based in Switzerland, partnered with CJLP (Centre pour la Justice et la Liberté des Peuples) to confront this crisis. FOH had already supported a first initiative against malnutrition in the same region, which revealed that the lack of clean water was at the root of many health and nutrition problems. A second initiative was born — the Kingwangala Safe Water Project — with a clear mission: To improve water quality and accessibility in Kingwangala and to reduce diseases, child mortality, and rural exodus through sustainable water infrastructure. More than 6,000 people stood to benefit directly.
A woman collects water from an unprotected spring between rocks. Before Phase 1, this was the only water source available-unsafe, exposed, and difficult to access.
Current status: phase 1 completed
Phase 1 has been successfully completed with FOH funding of USD 8,600.
This phase focused on securing the water source and building the core infrastructure needed for future distribution.
The key achievements include:
- Protection of the springs through barrier construction and site stabilization.
- Excavation of the spring outlet and removal of contaminated topsoil.
- Construction of a concrete retaining wall and mini-dam, forming a stable reservoir that gathers and stores clean water.
- Installation of the first meters of buried pipeline and preparation of the canalisation route for the future 1.2 km distribution line.
This structural foundation now makes it possible to move forward with Phase 2, which will bring clean water directly to the village.
A detailed financial summary is available here.
The road ahead: phase 2
To complete the water supply system and deliver clean water directly to every household, Phase 2 will install:
- A solar-powered pumping system (solar panels, 3HP pump, MPPT, batteries)
- A 5,000L elevated water tank on a 3-meter platform
- 1.2 km of distribution pipeline from the distant water source to the village
- Public tap stands at strategic points for safe, close-to-home access
This phase will provide 150–200 liters of safe water per person per day, transforming daily life and public health.
Technical design of the future solar-powered pumping system.
Phase 2 budget requirement
To fully implement this second phase, FOH needs to raise: USD 23,420
This includes:
- Solar Pumping System – USD 12,850
- Elevated Tank Platform & Plumbing – USD 10,570
A detailed financial summary is available here.
Challenges on the ground
Access to Kingwangala is difficult. Roads are rough, transport to the site can take days, and delivery of materials often requires multiple trips through remote terrain. Moreover, several neighboring villages in Kwango Province face the same urgent need for clean water. The demand for replication is high, and Friends of Humanity’s continued work is essential to expand the impact.
Children waiting in line to collect water from the natural spring. This daily scene shows the need for Phase 2, which will bring clean water directly into the village and improve access for everyone.
A continuing call for support
The completion of Phase 1 has given Kingwangala something it never had before: a protected source of clean water. The next step is to bring that water home. Phase 2 will deliver safe, reliable water directly to over 6,000 residents and set the foundation for replication in nearby villages. Friends of Humanity seeks your support to complete this phase and secure lasting change for the region.
Every contribution makes a difference. You can make a donation to support the project here.
« When we began, people drank from the same streams as animals. Today, clean water flows from protected springs. Tomorrow, with your help, it will reach every home. »
— Jean Claude Saki K., Executive Director, CJLP