Location
Dacia, Falesti, Falesti District, Ukraine
Community Description
Falesti boasts a population of approximately 18,000 residents, although an estimated 5,000 citizens left the town to the capital or other countries in search of better work and educational opportunities.
There is high unemployment and an average local income is approximately $150 per month. Many families have at least one member working abroad.
Members of the community of Falesti are a diverse group of elderly retirees, children, working adults, the disabled, and unemployed.
Within the neighborhood of Dacia is a well, constructed by the community 20 years ago, that provides water for approximately 25 households and a convenience store. Most of the residents depend on the well for basic daily needs – drinking, preparing food, bathing, and cleaning. Those with full indoor plumbing use the well as an important back-up supply when the water supply is interrupted, or as an affordable supplement to the costly running water.
Although the well has received general maintenance in the form of periodic cleanings and minor repairs from the residents over the years, it is now due for some more substantial repairs. There are cracks inside the well, allowing debris such as sand and dirt to seep in and pollute the water. Moreover, the unpaved road slopes down towards the well, permitting water, mud, and slush to accumulate, which makes access to the well hazardous during and after inclement weather.
Project Description
This project is to repair and upgrade the well in Dacia.
The cracks will be sealed and the well will be slightly elevated. By raising the well, workers will also be able to pave around the base, so that the well and water below remain clean and safe regardless of weather.
The current leaky roof will be replaced with a new one that will be larger to better protect people from the weather as they draw water.
In addition, the nearby drain, that helps remove excess water after rains, will be cleaned and repaired.
Finally, the well will undergo extensive cleaning. This is a daylong process that must be continuous to prevent the water from filling back into the well until it is finished.
Most of the repairs and work inside the well will be completed by trained specialists with special attire.
Project funds will be used to pay the for the labor of the4 specialists, covering 4 days of work, transportation, plus materials, such as sand, cement, and a new roof.
Project Impact
Approximately 60 residents will directly benefit from the project. In addition the employees and approximately 300 patrons of the nearby convenience store will indirectly benefit each month.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Katharine Auchter
Comments
The repair and improvement of the well will ensure a supply of high-quality potable water for the community. It is a much less-expensive alternative to the construction of a new well elsewhere.
Dollar Amount of Project
$500.00
Donations Collected to Date
$500.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Katharine Auchter.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Katharine of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or other projects in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.