Before water came from a tap, one familiar sound brought the whole neighbourhood outside.
The handle was too heavy
As children, we sometimes had to use our whole body to push the handle down. The younger ones would hang from it while someone older helped.
Waiting for the first splash
The first few pumps brought only air. Everyone waited for that first burst of water.
One person pumped, everyone drank
One friend worked the handle while the others lined up to drink. We cupped our hands together and tried not to spill a drop.
Water splashing everywhere
More water landed on our clothes and feet than inside the bucket. Somehow, getting wet was part of the fun.
Bathing under the handpump
On hot days, children sometimes stood under the flowing water while someone pumped as fast as possible.
Our Courtyard Handpump
More than a place for water
Neighbours exchanged news, laughter and little stories while buckets, steel vessels and matkas slowly filled.
Come back tomorrow for another beautiful memory.
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