Water missions team up for Africa

Mar 8, 2010 — The Daily Oklahoman

Tim Henley

Mar. 8, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Members of the Wishing Well organization have helped raise money to build 65 water wells in Africa since 2006.

The Oklahoma Christian University student-run organization is now partnering with Water4 Foundation to build additional water wells using more efficient methods.

Students who travel to Africa this summer will create wells using a hand-drilling device instead of machinery used in previous years. The hand drill will cost $600 compared to the machine's price tag of $10,000 to $15,000. The hand device is capable of drilling down 300 feet.

Oklahoma Christian University sophomore Aloys Zunguzungu is from Rwanda. He will use the hand drills when he goes home for the summer.

"It's a big problem in rural areas because they have no access to clean water," Zunguzungu said.

He will earn internship credit toward an engineering degree while drilling wells.

Instead of interning with a company, students will get credit for drilling wells because they will be connected to the Rwandan government, said Robert Mitchell, who is associate dean of engineering.

"We have a lot of students from Africa, and it's great that they are willing to pick up a drill and use it to help provide the citizens with clean water," he said.

Dick Greenly, a volunteer with Water4 Foundation, said a well business in Africa could charge community members a small portion of the cost. He said if residents contribute, they are more likely to maintain the well.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0148-42660741