Impact Story
Water is Life - Water Well Project by Help The Needy 2021
Bringing free access to water to thousands of residents in Joshua Community, Wellington, Sierra Leone.
Opening date: January 2026
Project Impact
Measurable Results
3,000+
Reported direct beneficiaries
60,000+
Estimated residents within a one-mile radius with potential access
$5,000
Approximate construction investment
Note: The surrounding population estimate reflects residents living within a one-mile radius of the well and is not a count of actual water users.
The Challenge
The Water Challenge
In many communities in Sierra Leone, access to affordable water remains a significant challenge.
In Wellington, households without private water sources may depend on water sellers, privately owned wells, or purchased water deliveries.
Some families travel three to four miles to obtain water, creating additional financial and physical burdens.
These difficulties particularly affect vulnerable families, older residents, children, and individuals with disabilities.
How We Chose
Community Selection
Help The Needy 2021 used a community-centered selection process to determine where the water well would be built.
- 1
Appeals Submitted
Residents and community representatives submitted appeals explaining their need for a well.
- 2
Documentation Provided
Applicants provided photographs and videos documenting water challenges and identifying possible construction locations.
- 3
Community Vote
A vote was conducted to help ensure fairness in selecting the recipient community.
- 4
Joshua Community Selected
Joshua Community in Wellington, Sierra Leone, was selected as the recipient of the water well.
Build & Launch
Construction and Completion
The water well was constructed by accredited builders.
The approximate $5,000 construction investment included:
- Materials: $3,000
- Labor: $2,000
- Water pump: Over $1,000, included within the materials cost
- At least 30 bags of cement and steel reinforcement
The well was tested for water availability and water safety before opening.
The completed project opened in January 2026.
The Result
Community Impact
The completed well provides free public access to water.
More than 3,000 people are reported to benefit directly.
An estimated 60,000 people reside within a one-mile radius and have potential access to the well.
The project helps reduce dependence on purchased water and long journeys to collect water.
Long-Term Care
Sustainability
The receiving community is responsible for maintaining the well.
The well includes a water pump and an alternative method for manually retrieving water using a bucket if the pump becomes unusable, subject to appropriate safety and sanitation practices.
This supports continued access and local responsibility.
Watch
See the Water Is Life Project in Action
Water Well Construction and Completion
Water Well Opening and Community Impact
A Lasting Investment in Community Well-Being
The Water Is Life Project demonstrates how community participation, responsible charitable investment, and local collaboration can help address essential needs.
Through this initiative, Help The Needy 2021 Organization supported the construction of a functioning community water well that provides free access to water for thousands of residents in Wellington, Sierra Leone.