Charity: Water

AN UNASSUMING HERO

The first time we meet Paul Botoman, he’s already in the middle of a repair. He arrived early. Without pausing, he angles his head back and reveals kind eyes from under the brim of his bucket hat. His face doesn’t change, and his hands keep moving. He just gives a silent head nod from afar.

This is the man they call “The Borehole Doctor.”

He’s lean, slow-moving and quiet. And at 55-years-old he doesn’t look like a hero. But to people in Nkhoma, Malawi, that’s exactly what he is.

IT'S NOT TALENT; IT'S PURPOSE

He grew up in a community where dirty water was a thing of the past. At the age of six, his village received the first borehole in the entire region, and he got to see clean water change the lives of his family and friends. He was lucky.

Since that day, Paul has been determined to bring clean water to other people too.

“In order for me to be where I am, someone had to help me. In turn, I want to help others.”

In 2010, Paul found out that our partner organization was working with the government to provide training for area mechanics, and he signed up instantly. It’s not a full-time job. Most of Paul’s days are still spent farming so he can provide for his own family. But he’s responsible for 140 villages in the region, and he cares for them like they’re his family too.

When Paul receives word that a borehole has broken down, he drops everything he’s doing, double checks his tool kit— a few wrenches, a hammer, some rope and feathers that he’s collected to apply PVC solvent cement— and walks to the village in need.

“I know that each moment I delay is affecting lives. I have to rush to assist them so that they can have water.”

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO SAVE THE DAY

We drive Paul to another village where he’s been called for help. As soon as we get out of the car, he’s greeted with enthusiasm. His reputation precedes him. The people here know him as “The Borehole Doctor” because he’s never failed to fix one.

I stand back to watch as he goes to work and realize that what I mistook as slowness earlier is actually intentionality. Paul is methodical. His mind is three steps ahead of his action. He knows exactly which tool he needs next and where he’s going to set every piece of the borehole as he takes it apart.

The village water committee works alongside him as assistants; passing him tools and listening anxiously to his assessment. Paul isn’t just an expert; he’s a celebrity. And everyone in the community has come to watch him work.

It doesn’t take more than an hour for Paul to figure out which part needs replacing. He makes the swap and suddenly the pieces are coming back together again. This part goes even faster, and the crowd that’s gathered starts to buzz in anticipation.

Paul lays the final cap on top and steps back. It’s the moment of the truth. He moves slowly to the handle and begins to pump… water comes pouring out instantly.

As the village claps and cheers, Paul scans the crowd around him, and we lock eyes again. He flashes me that charming, gapped-tooth smile and gives me another nod. Words aren’t necessary.

KEEPING THE WATER FLOWING

It’s scary to think about what happens when a well breaks. Especially considering that some of our water projects are located in such remote areas. Would these 33 villages in Nkhoma still have clean water today if it weren’t for Paul Botoman?

It’s a good reminder that it’s not just about building new wells; it’s about taking care of the ones we’ve already built.

View original article

Top stories from Provide Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Fund

Your support makes these stories possible.

Invest in a better world