Now, Orbisa has to walk for up to ten hours every day to collect water for her family. Due to the searing heat, Orbisa is forced to start walking before sunrise, often leaving her village at 4am. The walk is very dangerous as she faces wild animals, including hyenas and leopards.
‘The water I collect is not sufficient, I am only able to collect less than half of what my family needs each day. We need most of it for drinking, but sometimes it is not enough and my family has to go to bed thirsty. I feel extremely sad whenever I cannot provide water for my children,’ says Orbisa.
As climate change has contributed to extended drought, the area has become even more dry and arid. People are suffering and giving up hope. Forced to collect dirty water, more people are getting sick and their livestock – their only source of income – are dying due to lack of water.
But, there is good news. Tearfund is changing lives, by working with local partner, Friendship Support Association (FSA), to set up solar-powered wells that will provide clean water closer to communities. This will help to restore hope and give new life for all who live there.
‘If we could get water access in our village, this would change things for me. This is the first and most important thing that would give me hope,’ says Orbisa.