Rexam builds three fresh water wells for West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh communities

Rexam employees who were taking part in an internal development programme held a number of fundraising events for the cause. With the initial aim of funding one well, the team raised near to £4,000, enough for three wells.

The local communities where the wells have been built were facing issues of unprotected water from village ponds and agricultural bore-wells. Now with their own safe well, the communities have access to fresh drinking water. During the building process, local labourers were employed and local community members were heavily involved in the project, creating a sense of ownership and pride. Maintenance training and hygiene education were also provided to ensure maximum longevity of the wells.

Rexam has been present in India since 2007 with a manufacturing plant near Mumbai and has already announced expansion with a new plant in Sri City (Andhra Pradesh, 55km from Chennai) due to open in the second half of 2016.

Craig Jones, Sector Director for Rexam’s AMEA business, commented: “At Rexam, we believe in building strong links with and supporting the local communities in which we operate; this has been a great opportunity to give something back to support communities of which we are a part.”

Balaiah, a member of the Thotlapalli community, Andhra Pradesh shared his thanks to the Rexam team: “We approached the Government authorities many times asking for help in providing drinking water as our village tap is  inadequate. But they always rejected our plea’s saying they had no budget. Now thanks to drop4drop & Rexam we finally have adequate clean water!”

Chennaiah, a member of the Cheruvukandlapalli community, Andhra Pradesh also commented: “The water is good now. We have more than enough, even in the summer. We need not suffer when there are continuous power cuts and the tap water supply is scarce. Now our problem is solved by the well. Thank you.”