CALNE resident Mike Caplin, a Wessex Water IT training consultant, has just returned from Madagascar where he learned about how communities there which desperately need vital water and sanitation are helped by WaterAid.

Mr Caplin travelled to the Vakinankaratra region, which has some of the poorest rates of access to the basic services in the country.

Mr Caplin was part of a seven-strong team, helping transporting vital materials and working hands-on to help communities to gain access to a lasting supply of clean, safe water.

He said: “After spending time with the community in the village of Faratsiho, it was humbling to witness first-hand the real difference WaterAid can make by proving access to clean water.

“You can see the support is so sought after and how much it means to them to receive a supply of safe water for the first time.

“It’s so easy for us to take water for granted as we have it at the turn of a tap, but this trip really reminded us just what a valuable and lifesaving resource water is and the importance of continued support.”

WaterAid does not just deliver clean water supplies but also educates people in developing countries about health relating to their use of water.

During a visit to a public health centre, Mike learnt about the challenges in delivering safe healthcare without adequate water and sanitation facilities.

WaterAid publicise key hygiene messaging, such as handwashing, through hygiene promoters, community meetings, health centre staff and school WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) clubs.

Last year, WaterAid collected £182,299 in donations from volunteer fundraisers across the UK. In the past 26 years Wessex Water customers have helped raise more than £15 million for sanitation and safe water projects in some of the world's poorest communities.