Conclusion of Balori Well Project – Senegal

This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Chris Brown. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

The project was to build a covered well in the community.

Chris reports:

I helped put in a well in the small village of Balori, a village that typically runs out of potable water during the last few months of the hot season, forcing them to walk up to 1-2 km to get water.

The main purpose of the well was to increase access to potable water and to give a possible water source for a future gardening project during the dry season.

The project had mixed results, since the well ran dry two weeks after construction. The depth of the final well (approximately 10 meters) was insufficient to last through the dry season, though at the time it was believed to be sufficient by both the village and the well digger.

The well, however, did not run dry the following dry season. That season was preceded by an unusually large and long rainy season, which increased the water table dramatically. This well increased water access during the dry season, though it failed to meet the full need of the community.

Future projects will require a reserve of additional funds to provide for digging the well dug deep enough to provide an adequate water supply during all climatic conditions.

We wish to thank Chris for completing this project, and again extend our gratitude to The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding.