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New Deep Wells Bring Clean Water and Hope to Togo Villages
These vital initiatives were made possible by the generosity and sacrifice of Polish Catholics, who sought to alleviate suffering and enable access to clean water. As usual, the entire process was supervised on site by the indefatigable missionary, Father Marian Schwark, SVD.
Details of the Newly Consecrated Wells:
St. Francis of Assisi Well in Gmakando: Located 19 km from Guerin Kouka, this village of 1750 Konkomba residents previously required women to walk 3 km for water. Funded by the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Olsztyn, Poland, it was consecrated on May 29, 2025, by O. Marian Schwark SVD. The 70-meter-deep well yields 3.1 m3 of water per hour. The village chief’s secretary expressed profound gratitude, highlighting its role in overcoming water problems, reducing conflicts, curbing waterborne diseases, and laying the foundation for village development, including increased animal husbandry.
St. Ursula Ledóchowska Well in Litchairbou: Serving 420 Lamba tribe residents, this village 14 km from Guerin Kouka saw women walk 3 km for water. This 70-meter-deep well, producing 3.3 m3 of water per hour, is a gift from Catholics in Poland and was consecrated by O. Marian Schwark SVD on May 29, 2025. Residents conveyed deep gratitude, stating it improves living conditions, symbolizes hope and solidarity, and will be remembered by future generations.
St. Christopher Well in Sibonia: In this village of approximately 850 residents in northwestern Togo, existing well water was unsuitable, forcing trips of 3.5 to 7 km for clean water. The journey to Sibonia is a challenging 92-km, 3.5-hour drive, emphasizing the need for infrastructure. Consecrated on June 2, 2025, by O. Félix Awaga SVD, this 65-meter-deep well provides 6 m3 of water per hour. It is a gift from a Catholic from the Rzeszów area in Poland. Grateful residents expressed hope to show appreciation tangibly, noting the donor’s kindness changed their lives.
These recently consecrated wells are part of the ongoing “Water for Africa” campaign led by the Mission Office in Pieniężno, which has successfully built 57 deep wells to date. In 2025, this initiative was integrated into the global “150 wells for the 150th anniversary of SVD” project. The Divine Word Missionaries engage in diverse activities to support their missions, including “Roofs for Missions,” “Mount of Rice,” “Key to Heaven,” and “Open Heart”. This commitment ensures clean water is available, making daily life easier and more joyful for communities.
Source: SVD POL Mission Office
