Syria: Wells dug on church grounds amid water shortages
Barnabas Fund partners in Aleppo are digging water wells in church grounds
Augsut 2013
Church grounds are being used to source new water wells in the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo.
The wells are being dug by a Barnabas Fund partner in Christian areas of the city to provide clean water for around 400,000 residents.
The city has seen some of the worst fighting in the conflict and residents are struggling to cope with the chronic shortages of food, water and other basic items.
The shortages have been exacerbated by a blockade imposed last month by opposition fighters.
According Barnabas Fund, the city’s main water supply was damaged last year and the back-up pump can only meet half of the demand. Some parts of the city are only receiving water for a few hours twice a month.
Barnabas Fund’s Aleppo partners are refurbishing existing underutilised water wells and digging new ones in land belonging to churches, Christian schools and other Christian bodies.
There are plans to create 14 wells in total.
In addition to supporting the water project, Barnabas Fund is distributing hygiene kits in the city and covering the cost of medicine and medical treatment for residents.
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund said: “Christians in Aleppo are in particular need of our prayers and support at this time as a rebel blockade restricts the movement of people and goods in and out of the city.”
