The rainy season is waited upon for its source of water

There are three seasons in Cambodia. The cold season is between November and February. During daytime the average temperature is around 20 Celsius, and at night it can drop below 15 Celsius. Rain hardly pour during these months.

The weather is much warmer during March until May. The air would also be filled with dust, especially in the rural area. At times the temperature can reach up to 35 Celsius, and rain is still rare during this time.

The monsoon season starts from Jun to October. The rain would normally come in the afternoon, especially the drizzles.

This explains why dry season is prevalent in Cambodia. At times, 4 to 5 months would pass without rain. This is a challenge for the villagers. Normally those who live near the river would take advantage of the water source. However this task becomes difficult because the edges of Mekong River are steep.

Some villagers also cooperate to get a water pump. Water will be pumped from the river to a place that is accessible to the villagers. Sometimes it can flow directly to water channels next to the houses. However, the high cost of the pump and diesel to get it going make this unaffordable to villagers.

Therefore, another alternative for those who live near the Mekong River is to dig a well. Wells near the river would normally be deep, for water is contained at the ground level. To prevent landslide, Palong (materials like bamboo is used to channel water) need to be purchased as well. Without these Palong the well can only be used for a short time.

<Those who are staying farther from the river do dig wells too. Pools would also be dug in the ground to accumulate water during the rainy season. This water will later be used during the dry season.

At the moment the Cambodian Government still cannot afford to provide piped water to the whole country. Such provision can only be found in big cities, where the funding comes from other countries. Japan for instance provides water for some residents in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

The Cambodia Well Fund is implemented to accommodate the need for water for the villagers. A well or pump only costs RM 750 to build. Insya 'Allah, such contribution will bring huge rewards from Allah S.W.T.

Haji Hazwan Lee, a participant of Visit Cambodia helps to dig the well he sponsored.

Ustaz Iskandar from Singapore with children from Kampung Potien, Kg. Cham Province, Cambodia.

Well pump contributed by Japan based on Indian technology. The depth can reach 60 meters, however the villagers do not know how to fix it if it is damaged.

Ustaz Haji Mokhtar Mohd Zain with teacher Mohd Tap Yaakob, a participant of Visit Cambodia tries to use the well he donated.

Well pump built with local Cambodian technology. It is 15 meters deep and can easily be fixed. The price is cheap as well.

There are some villagers who dig well as a business. Normally it can be completed within 7 days.

The Mufti of Cambodia decides on the villagers who deserve the donated wells. Normally poor families and single mothers are chosen.

The raft houses at the edge of the river are still plentiful because of the problem of access to water.