Nazarene Compassionate Ministry's Haiti Water Project has drilled six wells over the last three months in partnership with Helping Hands, a nongovernmental agency. 

Because each well reaches approximately 1,500 people, the Haiti Water Project has been able to provide water for about 9,000 people through the six wells.

Program coordinator Piard Alcegaird said that in one of the locations, people were excited as the water came to the surface when the drilling was in progress. They started to smile and play with the water, especially the children, as they realize they don't need to walk to the river or to another far well anymore.

The Haiti Water Project currently focuses on two areas in the northern part of Haiti, Sarazeen and Orangers. The locations of the six wells were chosen according to water stress levels and walking distance to targeted neighborhoods.

Project leaders are building canals for each of the wells, as well as keeping up with biosand filter distribution, latrine construction, and developing a water committee. This committee — formed by community leaders — will take care of the facilities and will manage the water resources after receiving a seven-session training.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica