WORK is taking place to construct spring boxes into three mountain villages in Korogwe, Tanzania, to help provide clean drinking water, the Bratton Clovelly-based Devon Aid Korogwe has reported.

The boxes act as storage for clean spring water which is then piped down the hillside to enable village women to fill their buckets with clean drinking water, simply by turning the taps.

This work will prevent them having to climb in and out of deep and, most times, very dangerous holes, having to drop their buckets down into dark holes or even having to use the river where livestock, and domestic use upstream, have contaminated the water. There are also many man-eating crocodiles inhabiting the murky waters.

Over recent years Okehampton and Hatherleigh Rotary clubs and the Inner Wheel Club, local schools, churches and various groups have helped Devon Aid Korogwe.

They have equipped it with the necessary funds to install wells with hand pumps or spring boxes into what will soon become 48 villages in a very rural, poor area where water-related diseases are the biggest killers, particularly of children.

Villagers are expected to contribute, to help give them the feeling of responsibility and ownership, sometimes with a small financial donation or sometimes with labouring and the supply of stones.

Since Devon Aid Korogwe has become involved, school teachers report that many more children are attending school regularly instead of being ill, and women have more time and energy for generating small incomes.

l There are many more villages in need of clean water and this Saturday (October 23) there is an opportunity to learn how to dowse for water at West Chimsworthy Farm, Bratton Clovelly, and at the same time raise funds to help more villages.

It will enable those people connected to the land, and anyone interested, to trace water pipes, water sources and stone drains, saving valuable time and money.

Vivien England, DAK's chairman said: 'The appropriate link with this water skill will enable those connected with the land,

and anyone interested, to trace water pipes, water sources and stone drains and similar, saving valuable time and money. 

'Three-hour workshops will be given by dowsing expert Aaron Bray, who is giving his time to help these important Tanzanian village projects.'

The cost, £16, will include a light snack lunch or tea. The class starts at 10.30am and booking is essential

For  bookings for the dowsing class or more information please call 01837 871310 .  All the funds will be for Devon Aid Korogwe.  

To find out more about the workshops contact Devon Aid Korogwe on 01837 871310.