Syria: Wells dug on church grounds amid water shortages

Barnabas Fund partners in Aleppo are digging water wells in church grounds (Photo: Barnabas Fund)

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."

News
Christian ethos in NI schools will be maintained, Education Minister promises after RE ruling
Christian ethos in NI schools will be maintained, Education Minister promises after RE ruling

Some schools were concerned that they could not put on the traditional Nativity play after the UK Supreme Court ruling.

What is Advent Sunday and why do churches mark it?
What is Advent Sunday and why do churches mark it?

The fourth Sunday before Christmas is called Advent Sunday. It falls at the start of December, or sometimes as in 2025, at the end of November. In churches of many denominations, Advent marks the coming of the Christmas season. This is the story …

Who was St Andrew and why is he important?
Who was St Andrew and why is he important?

30 November is St Andrew’s day. He was the brother of St Peter, the first of Jesus’s disciples, and later an Apostle. This is the story …

Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria
Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria

Amid a rash of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, an Anglican priest in Nigeria abducted along with his wife and daughter has died in captivity, leaders of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion announced on Wednesday.