CT Trust donated $80,000 NZD in 2023-2024 to The Village Drill (villagedrill.com) to deliver a new Village Drill Hybrid to Liberia/Sierra Leone. There was some delay as The Village Drill were releasing a new version which was motorised - the team in Liberia were happy to wait so that they could receive this latest model of the drill.
The drill arrived in Liberia in June 2025. Next, a three-week training will be conducted, during which at least one well will be drilled.
About the Village Drill Hybrid (WHOlives)
The Village Drill Hybrid (by WHOlives) is portable - enabling the drilling of multiple wells each year. The Village Drill can reach remote communities that most drilling rigs cannot. In fact, it allows access to 75% more communities at 75% lower cost. The drill can also be transported by a small truck and then hand-carried to its final destination. It is powerful enough to penetrate tough ground conditions. It can be used either manually (via spinning a handwheel) or automatically (via a generator).
How the WHOlives model works
The WHOlives model trains a locally based drill team that operates as an independent small business. Teams are trained in the correct use and maintenance of the Village Drill, as well as in essential business skills.
Communities in need of a new water well can then hire the local drill team at a highly affordable cost (for example, around US $2 per family per month over 10 months). Where needed, WHOlives helps villagers access loans to spread the cost of the well.
This approach builds strong community ownership of the well-drilling process: local teams earn a sustainable livelihood, and villages gain access to clean water through an affordable, locally delivered service.
Updates on the Village Drill Hybrid in Liberia:
June 2025 update:
The drill arrived in Liberia in June 2025. A local drill team underwent a 3 week training course in how to use it (and a practice borehole was drilled).
The drill will be used in remote communities in Liberia and Sierre Leone to drill boreholes.
September 2025 update:
- A first training well was drilled – 20 metres (60 feet) was drilled on the first day which was a great start.
- A second training well was drilled at a school – Sanniquellie Primary and Secondary School. Two teams are being trained at the same time (Samaritan’s Purse have also purchased a drill, so their team is being trained there also).
November 2025 update:
“The training itself was both practical and inspiring. Our team gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a strong foundation in the drill’s operation and maintenance. We’re now preparing to deploy the equipment in communities where access to safe water remains a critical need.”
They are engaging with existing partners including the LDS Church and UN Agencies. They are also working on acquiring a dedicated truck to transport the drill. They’ve expanded outreach and advertising efforts for this new drill service, while finalizing logistical preparations for the first installations.