The Frank Edwards Well to Serve
More than 60 people in Nyanyara, Malawi

July 7, 2003

        Two years after the request to drill a water well in Nyanyara, Malawi, the project is now complete and providing a source of clean drinking water close by for more than 60 people who earlier had to personally carry water for about two miles to their settlement. LifeNets took on this project with the help of the Akron, Ohio United Church of God that provided the cost for drilling and the San Antonio, Texas church that paid for the pump. Working with Andre van Belkum and Bill Jahns in South Africa and Mark Chonde in Lilongwe who arranged for the drilling and Mr. Lawrence Chipendo on whose property the well is located, we brought everyone together to make this happen. The project cost us 40% less than we originally thought because of trusted people on site who helped us work with the contractor who drilled the well.

The Story of the Akron Fundraiser and Why it was named after Frank Edwards

        Water is essential to life. The biggest cause for disease lies in contaminated and unsafe drinking water. Wells like this minimize the risk of disease and provide a wonderful convenience of easily accessible water, something most of us take for granted. This project is substantially helping improve the quality of life in this community.

        Thanks to everyone who helped support this project with their contributions and enthusiasm. It can be done! You CAN make a big difference.

Bill Jahns (left) visits the completed well-site on the property of Mr. Chipendo (right) in June 2003. The well had been operating since May. This is how water was brought to the settlement. Women would walk about two miles carrying about 5 gallons of water on their heads.

Everything nicely finished off and working! Read about WHY this is called the Frank Edwards well by clicking here Some of the community that will benefit from the use of the well.