When conflict killed around 200 people in Jos, Nigeria in 2008, we sent emergency funds to our church partners. The Archdiocese of Jos was already tackling one key area of tension – lack of water

1. www.cafod.org.uk
Faith in
the future
When conflict killed
around 200 people in
Jos, Nigeria last year,
we sent emergency
funds to our church
partners.
The Archdiocese
of Jos was already
tackling one key
area of tension –
lack of water.

2. There is only one decent water source in Kwai – an old water pump.
In the dry season, water drips slowly from it.
Night and day, women and children queue. Many
bring their babies with them in the scorching heat.

3. Each woman marks her
place with a brightly
coloured container or
jerry can.
Most expect to be in line
for at least six hours.

4. For those who don’t want to queue, the only alternative
is a muddy stream that often runs dry.

5. Halima used to rely on this pump and stream for all her family’s
water needs. Sometimes she’d even sleep there overnight. “My
husband was not happy about this, but I had no choice,” she says.

6. “There are families here who don’t know where
their next meal is coming from. Because of lack of
water we fight each other.
“This creates bad feeling between Muslim and
Christian people and disharmony in the community.
“But what has water got to do with religion?”

7. “In this village, the most valuable commodity to share is water,
regardless of our faith,” Halima explains.
“Now during the rainy season we have so much water in our tank
that we can share it with our neighbours. Some are
Christian and it is helping build relations between us.”

8. “The project even fitted
a rainwater tank on to
the roof of our mosque.
“Sharing water with my
Christian neighbours
has helped us become
friends.
“I see change
happening.”

9. What your money can buy
• £100 buys a water filter
• £425 buys a ventilated latrine
• £1,585 buys a rainwater tank
Thank you for supporting our work
cafod.org.uk/nigeria
Photography: Simon Rawles, Bridget Burrows, Father Bill Kemmy
Registered charity no. 285776