In the community of Inchanga, nestled in the Valley of a Thousand Hills just outside Durban, access to water remains a daily challenge for many households. Ongoing water shortages mean residents often walk long distances to collect water from communal taps or other available sources. For many families, this responsibility falls to older women — the gogos — who carry the burden of collecting and transporting water for their households.

In February, several gogos in the community received EcoRollers, providing a practical tool to help reduce the physical strain of collecting water, particularly for older women whose health can be affected by years of lifting and carrying heavy containers.

For these gogos, the EcoRoller is more than just a piece of equipment. It allows them to transport and store water more safely while continuing to care for their families. With the ability to move larger amounts of water with far less effort, daily routines become more manageable and physically less demanding.

When the EcoRollers were handed over, the gratitude and excitement among the women were clear. There were smiles, laughter, and eager hands ready to try the rollers for the first time. All of the gogos immediately saw how much easier it was to roll water home rather than carry heavy containers.

This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest. Their partnership is helping strengthen the wellbeing of vulnerable residents in Inchanga and supporting families in very real ways.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Hillcrest for funding this important initiative and standing alongside the community.