Conclusion of Faratsiho Well and Pump Project – Madagascar

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

The project was originally conceived to build a well and to install two pumps. The well was dug, but, because of budgetary difficulties, only one pump was installed.

Christiane reports:

The project has been completed.

We started digging the well at the Centre Hospitalier de District (CHD) around the end of August. My counterpart and I found two men in our community who were familiar with digging wells. One person was responsible for digging while the other would take the dirt out by pulling it up with a basket. I was terrified that at any moment the well would collapse, but it all turned out just fine.

We finally reached water at about 13 meters. The moment that we came across water, everyone in the health compound ran to the well to take a look at it and was jumping for joy. It brought tears to my eyes looking at everyone’s reaction. They were saying in Malagasy, “Water! We finally have water!”

After the well was dug, the inside was lined with cement and brick. It was determined that the pump on this well would have to await the collection of further resources.

A pump was then installed at the Centre de Santé de Base II (CSBII) of Faratsiho.

I can’t thank you enough for what you allowed me to do. I now have a smile on my face every time I think of my little town called Faratsiho. I know that someone whether it’s a doctor, man, woman, or child is using that pump and they deserve it.

We are grateful to Christiane for completing this project, and again extend our thanks to the Elmo Foundation for providing the funds, and to Christiane’s friends and family for providing additional funds for future projects.