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Masai still without water a year after marathon quest
Benedict Moore-Bridger2 Apr 2009
SIX Masai warriors who ran the London Marathon to raise funds for a well in their Tanzanian village are still struggling to find clean water.
The group raised thousands of pounds when they competed in last year's event, but 12 months on the tribe are still drinking dirty water.
More than £65,000 has been spent on drilling and surveys to find a clean source but the project - run by non-profit organisation Greenforce - has failed to provide a decent drinking supply, raising questions over its management. Water aid charities working in Africa have asked why such a large sum of money was spent when cheaper alternatives were available.
Ian Thorpe, chief executive of Pump Aid, expressed "concern and disappointment" that money appeared to have been wasted. He was travelling to the village, Eluai, to assess the project and offer advice.
The Masai mission was much-celebrated when the six warriors ran the marathon in tribal costume, using car tyres for shoes and carrying spears and shields, after training by stalking lions. Public support was so great that donations reached nearly £115,000, twice the water project's target.
Despite the fundraising success, the project has been hampered by overspending and a lack of success. Initial drilling found only rock and, although the area was arid, deeper excavation was ordered because of the tribe's belief that water was available.
Greenforce paid for more drilling despite the view of surveyors that there was no groundwater. It was also unsuccessful and surveys by independent contractors also led to nothing. Each drilling project cost between £10,000 and £15,000.
African contractors inflated their prices after learning on the internet that the project raised more money than expected.
Greenforce's chief executive, Marcus Watts, said: "They're eating into the money pretty quickly. We've easily gone through £65,000. We would have liked to have been putting pipes in by now. It is frustrating, but that's Africa."
He said he remained confident the project would succeed, having found a water source a fortnight ago.
Reader views (3)
Water has been found on March 13th. Submersible pumps and solar power are currently being installed by us. In fact enough water has been found for Greenforce to provide not one, but two villages with water.
We are now building two 50,000 litre reservoirs for the two separate villages. Double our initial plan.
They are not “eating through the money”, it is being spent on the above in the correct way.
Independent surveys from the Government own hydrologist in fact helped us find water for which we thank them and all the others who have helped this village secure fresh water and thus give them a future.
We look forward to celebrating with the Maasai, the successful completion of this project.
Marcus Watts, Managing Director - Greenforce
- Marcus Watts Greenforce, London, 02/04/2009 17:52
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Surely they will be able to finance the operation with royalties from the sale of Masai Barefoot Trainers (MBTs)? Oh no, of course not, because that it just a marketing con and not really anything to do with the Masai at all.
- Adam, London, UK, 02/04/2009 13:46
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This is typical NGO attitude. What a crying shame. It is not the first time and will not be the last. I have installeed many village wells inDRC and never never used professional drilling companies. They see greenhorns coming a mile off. Greenforce should repay the money.
- Richard, Limoges France, 02/04/2009 13:30
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