The community at Konzalendo requested the sisters to help in providing a drilled borehole to their village. Having investigated and seen the hardship they faced in walking 1 kilometre to a well for water or taking unclean water from the stream in the valley near them we promised to see what could be done. Thankfully, we were able to assist because of generous donors. On 4th August the drilling company arrived to begin the search for water at several sites near their houses. Unfortunately, the first site which was located at a height, close to the houses proved unsuitable that day. Having drilled to a depth of 55m no water was found. Nonetheless, the search continued and on 6th August water was found at 24m at a new site. The well was drilled to a depth of 50m to ensure there will be a good supply to the well. On 20th August work at the well was completed with the installation of the pump.
12th September 2022 was a ‘red letter’ day for the community. Their new well was being formally opened. The drilled borehole was provided to the community through a donation from Máire and Brendan O’Connor in memory of Brendan’s aunt, Nóra Smyth. Brendan and Máire’s brother and sister-in-law, Eoin and Diana, were in Konzalendo and performed the opening on their behalf. An exuberant crowd welcomed the visitors with singing, dancing and drama. The Community Development Officer for the area acted as M.C. and spoke of the importance of maintaining the well so that they would have clean water for many years. The Chairperson of the Well Committee, Sr. Mairéad and the local Chief also spoke on the occasion.
Fr. Daniel, P.P. of Good Shepherd Parish along with the local pastor from the nearby church, Konzalendo led the prayers and gave a blessing. The well was given an Irish name – Tobar Nóra – in memory of Brendan’s aunt. Following the blessing and opening the community presented gifts in order to express their great sense of gratitude to the donors. The celebration closed with a meal for the invited guests and the community members continued their dancing and singing as they escorted the guests at the close. It was a truly joyous occasion as will be seen from the videos attached.
