These Catholic missionaries are bringing clean water to Namibia

A new water tank from Salesian Missions means clean water for 7,300 parishioners.

Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has donated a new water tank to Rundu, Namibia. The installation was placed at the parish of St. John Bosco, part of the Don Bosco Youth Center, in Rundu. The system will bring clean, safe water to 7,300 parishioners and revitalize their youth group.

According to Salesian Missions, over a quarter of Namibia’s population lacks access to clean water and fewer still have access to sanitation facilities. This has hampered Rundu’s ability to thrive and places the community at risk of disease.

St. John Bosco parish was no exception, and the lack of running water made event planning difficult. Prior to the water tank, it was common for church functions and youth group activities to be canceled. Additionally, these hurdles have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which demands regular sanitation as well as social distancing.

Now, Salesian Missions is reporting that the situation has already begun to improve. With a dependable source of water the parish has no problem complying with COVID-19 restrictions. They are already reporting a decrease in waterborne illness and an increase in youth attendance.

Fr. Louis Malama, project manager at Don Bosco Youth Center, hailed the donation as a success. He said:

“The water project at St. John Bosco Parish was met with great success. The new water tank has improved and provided sufficient clean and safe water for youth who come for various programs and church services. We are thankful to our donors and to Salesian Missions.”

Clean Water Initiative

The newly installed water tank is just the latest effort by Salesian Missions as part of their “Clean Water Initiative.” The charitable mission has brought clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing to communities around the world. Countries that have benefited from the initiative include Cambodia, India, Philippines, South Sudan, Ghana, and Rwanda, but the list goes on and on.

Visit Salesianmissions.org for more information on how to get involved with the “Clean Water Initiative.”