The project to provide a reliable supply of running water to the children of Aladura Primary School in Buedu, Sierra Leone, is nearing completion. Construction of the water tower has now been finished, and plumbing installation to the school buildings is well under way.
This WASH project follows the successful construction of two VIP toilet blocks at the school in 2024. It is partly funded through a grant from the Australian Government - Australian Aid - and the Rotary Balwyn Centenary Grant program, and is being delivered by the Rotary Club of Glenferrie in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bo, Sierra Leone—truly uniting for good.
The new water reticulation system includes deepening an existing well and installing solar-powered pumps to lift water to a newly constructed elevated tank supported by a solid brick tower. From there, water will be gravity-fed to wash troughs at the two toilet blocks and to gender-segregated wash troughs at either end of the school building. Importantly, students will also have access to drinking-water taps, eliminating the current need to walk to the well and operate a hand pump.
Planning for the project began almost twelve months ago. The International Service Committee, led by Amelia Anderson, worked closely with the
Rotary Club of Bo, led by Past President Taplima Muana, to secure an Australia Aid grant through DFAT, thanks to the leadership of Geoff Widmer. The Committee also successfully obtained a grant from Rotary Balwyn, funded through proceeds from the Camberwell Sunday Market. Design and building supervision has been provided by Sierra Leone based engineer Jonathan Bockerie, with the design work being supervised by PP Don Moore.
This project exemplifies Rotary at its best: delivering essential infrastructure, investing in young people, strengthening partnerships between clubs, engaging external partners, enhancing Rotary’s profile, and fostering international goodwill. Completion is expected by the end of December, in time for the start of the 2026 school year. Congratulations to Amelia and the International Service Committee on a truly fantastic job.
