Life in Agonda - water supply

In the UK we turn on the tap, water flows and we think nothing of it. Here in Agonda water is a very important commodity. In the village not all people have running water in their homes, like they have in the shacks on the beach where tourists stay. Some homes have their own well where they lower a bucket to collect water to take into the house. More often their water is suppled from a water truck that drives around the village. Some homes have their water tank set on a concrete tower that is higher than the height of the house. The water truck pumps water up into this and they will have running water for a few days until it runs out. Many other homes have their water tanks on the ground. Once their tank is filled they need to carry the water into their homes by bucket for cooking, bathing, drinking etc (the water for drinking is always boiled first, whereas tourists always but bottled water). We are very fortunate. Our landlord has his own private well and instead of having to get the water by lowering a bucket, the tank is filled by pressing a switch and the electric pump does the rest. Colin fills the tank every few days and the only downside is, he has to connect the pipe for the water to flow. This pipe is at the back of the house. As I said previously, behind the house is forest and there are snakes, lizards, monkeys, leopards, peacocks, wild boar etc. Luckilt he is still in one piece.
Our neighbours have their water tank on the ground and have to carry all their water into the house. With Pamela and James, their 3 children and seven employees that stay on site, this is a lot of water to be carrying. They have just started building a concrete tower higher than the height of the house, so they will have running water. They haven't brought in a company to do it as we would in the UK, but are building it themselves. It is very interesting to watch and will post some photos of the build. Check out the 'scaffolding!' when I get some photos.