Water for Life in Africa

Summers Drilling Ltd, a water well drilling company in Alberta, has been offering well drilling and pump repairs in the Stony Plain or Edmonton regions for years. Water for Life in Africa (WFLA) was founded in 2002 by Dave’s parents, Jim and Regina, and his brother, Robert, a licensed well driller and professor in the University of Alberta’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

WFLA relies on advanced drilling methods to tap into the water table only when the hydrogeology of an area requires it to. We drill wells that villagers can maintain themselves without investing in lots of high-tech equipment that may require regular maintenance or repair. The family-owned and -operated business recently completed more than 6 wells near the capital of Malawi, not far from Lilongwe. Call us today to learn more about our services or about the project we are associated with.

Who are we?

We are Regina Summers, Jim Summers and Robert Summers. WFLA is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the water supply situation of poor villages in rural Africa. WFLA is based out of Stony Plain, Alberta

How did WFLA come about?

After working in and visiting Malawi, the directors of WFLA assessed the need that the people had for safe water supply.

They saw Malawi’s hardworking people facing the constant problems of unhealthy water supply despite all their efforts to improve their water source.

Why is WFLA's mission important?

The mission of WFLA is to improve and maintain the existing water sources for the villagers in Malawi. Generally, these sources consist of polluted springs and swamps and are located a great distance from the village. Small farmers and villagers do not have sufficient money to buy the necessary equipment to be used to improve their water supply. Apart from insufficient funds, both the adults and children of the village regularly face severe illnesses that affect their efforts at work and in school. Increased productivity and enhanced levels of education are essential to ensure a better future for these villages.

Both of these aspects need a healthy population. Water is the basis of good health. A good source of water is the beginning of an improved future for these people.

Who is WFLA targeting?

WFLA targets hardworking communities and families that are willing to improve their water supply situation. WFLA does not assist families or villages that do not show interest, or are not willing to contribute to the process. As it is a difficult task, the villagers who are interested and willing to contribute to a new water source will completely undertake the responsibility of maintaining that source over the long term. We believe that this will be the last assistance the village will ever need regarding water supplies. In the future, when the production and education levels of the village improve, they will be able to meet their water supply needs themselves.

What does WFLA ask of those who we assist?

WFLA requires that the villagers contribute both labour and funds for the construction of a new water source. The requested amount of funds from the villagers depends upon the wealth of the people and the area. The amount required from the village would be about one month's salary from every household in the village (about $200 Canadian for the whole village). The collection of such an amount ensures that the village truly sees the need for new water supply and that they will maintain the equipment (pump, well site, etc.) long into the future.

What types of improvements does WFLA seek to provide?

WFLA focuses mostly upon water wells produced using simple technologies including both hand dug and hand-drilled wells. Because of the hydrogeology of the area, more advanced drilling methods will be used, if necessary. By using the lowest level of technology available, WFLA ensures that the money collected is used in the most efficient manner possible.

What we ask of you, our fellow Canadians?

We are currently looking to raise funding to construct more wells in five villages in rural Malawi. Each of these villages are filled with working people who do everything they can to help themselves and to see that their children have a better life than them. You can contribute to this cause by sending a donation to the following address. Please make cheques payable to Water for Life in Africa.
Receipts will be issued upon request.

Water For Life in Africa

Box 3172
Stony Plain, Alberta
T7Z 1Y4
Phone: 780-963-2560
Fax: 780-963-8802
Email: wfla@shaw.ca