Bergnek, Limpopo

Our first community infrastructure related project took place in February 2011 when we reactivated and old well and installed a new pump in the community of Bergnek, Limpopo. When we first visited the community we found a small community of 3,500 people desperate for water with a pump that was being run only 1-2 times per month and was not strong enough to fill any of the storage tanks in the community. People were desperate and children were dying. 

A local farmer who employed some of the people in the commuity would make the rounds with his water truck and sell water to the residents taking what little money he had paid them to work on his farm in exchange for the water. We made the decision to act immediately, even though we had not yet had any real opportunity to engage within the community.

Since installing the pump we have completed our first Iziko Labahlali program in the community and have preapred a business plan working with the community council to establlish a brick-making business, whihc will also help to build the houses they need and a community health care centre.