This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Marguerite Clougherty.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The following is a summary of Marguerite’s conclusion report:
I am writing to inform you of the successful completion of the project. Between November 18th and November 27th, 2016, 8 pumps in the Bassar Prefecture of Northwestern Togo were repaired, and the 15,000 people living in those villages have been given a more sustainable source of potable water.
We purchased all of the materials to begin work during the week of the 18th and scheduled two villages each day to lead community-wide sessions and repair the pumps. Six of the pumps had all of the mechanical parts replaced as well as the piping, but not the pump heads or levers as they were in very good condition. One of the pumps had all mechanical parts, piping, head and lever replaced, and the last pump was a completely new installation of all parts.
Following each repair, the team of mechanics educated the villages on the importance of bi-annual maintenance, and how to continue collecting money to be prepared for the recommended maintenance and/or in the event the pump should need repair.
While the team of mechanics worked on the pumps, the team of volunteers (ranging from 4 to 6) talked to the communities about a wide variety of subjects that could increase their health, autonomy, and overall quality of life. Topics included exclusive breastfeeding for children under 6 months, how to make ORS in the case of diarrheal disease, proper handwashing techniques and at what point during the day it is necessary, malaria prevention and the importance of early treatment seeking, the nutritional and potential financial benefits to Moringa trees, and gender equality. Each volunteer was assigned a topic to discuss, and over the course of the week we reached 968 individuals from all of the villages combined.
To date, the pumps are working well and the communities are very grateful. We have also identified one village who is incredibly motivated, and have completed the application for a volunteer with them as a result of their mobilization during this years’ project. Our 3-month site visit to inspect the pumps, the conditions in which they are being kept, and the functioning of their water committees is scheduled for early March, 2017. At each visit, we will also be questioning people around the pumps to see if any information was retained from the community information sessions with the volunteers.
I would like to thank you on behalf of myself and the communities for your support in the project; it was a great success and has already improved the quality of life for thousands of people.
We are grateful to Marguerite for completing this important project.
