"Clean Water for Monrovia"
Monrovia is a city in the state of Liberia which is located on the West Coast of Africa. Liberia is just North of the equator. Solinst supports the efforts of Lifewater Canada to bring safe drinking water to the war ravaged people of Liberia.
"In 1990, Liberia's 127 years of peaceful democracy was shattered by horrific fighting between rebel factions. 150,000 were killed and half Liberia's population was displaced. Water supplies were destroyed and, along with the massive influx of refugees, came an acute shortage of safe drinking water. People started a desperate search for water which continues today." (Courtesy of www.Lifewater.ca)
In 1995, Lifewater Canada was invited to Liberia to help them address the water crisis. Solinst Canada Ltd. was approached about the situatation and responded with a donation of a Water Level Meter and several bailers to Lifewater Canada. The 1995 project to restore clean drinking water unearthed some very disturbing facts about the area. During this investigation, it was found that of the 150 wells inspected and the water analyzed, that about one third of the wells needed repairs and three fourths of the wells contained bacteria capable of causing serious disease. Most of the wells had sanitation problems, 30% of the pumps required repair, 37% of the wells had yield problems, and the average water temperature was 83 degrees and nearly every well had active bacterial populations. Half the wells had coliform and/or pathogenic bacteria.
Another follow-up trip back to Liberia in February 1998 is being organized by Lifewater Canada. The objectives for this current project are to inspect rehabilitated wells, to re-test water quality, to provide advanced well construction training, to inspect prospective drilling sites, and also to drill 10 new wells in areas not before accessable due to the civil war and rebel factions who were based in the area.
Current Situation Status:
- 5,000 people rely on one handpump
- People are forced to collect water from stagnant pools
- Water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery are common
- Much sickness and death has been the cause of unsafe drinking water
- Women and children spend so much effort getting water that there is little time for education or home-based industries.
Solinst wishes Lifewater Canada a successful venture in the hopes of bringing clean drinking water to the people of Liberia.
For more detailed information regarding the project in Liberia, please visit the Lifewater Canada Web Site at http://www.Lifewater.ca
For more detailed information regarding the project in Liberia, please visit the Lifewater Canada Web Site at:
http://www.Lifewater.ca
Solinst Canada Ltd.
35 Todd Rd.
Georgetown, ON
L7G 4R8
Phone: (800) 661-2023; (905) 873-2255
Fax: (905) 873-1992
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