Nianija District Handpump Repair Tour Phase 2—The Gambia

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - The Gambia

Nianija District Handpump Repair Tour Phase 2—The Gambia

Nianija is one of the ten districts of the Central River Division of the Gambia. Nanija is a predominantly Pulaar-speaking region of the Gambia. There are approximately 33 villages in Nianija, the capital of which is Chamen, located at the district’s western edge. In one study, in addition to land, livestock ownership, ownership of farm implements, and off-farm income were used by communities as main criteria for wealth ranking. On the basis of these criteria, four wealth categories were identified, namely, the very poor, the moderately poor, the moderately rich and the rich. In Nianija, 80% were said to be poor or very poor. The very poor do not own cattle; the moderately poor own goats and sheep while the poor have between 1 and 2 heads of cattle. Land access was reported to be determined by the ability to cultivate the land. For the poor and very poor categories, land use was restricted and/or constrained by limited farm implements for adequate production. In Nianija, farming was the most important livelihood strategy, followed by both fishing and commerce which were given equal weight. Livestock rearing was fourth in importance as a source of livelihood for the community. One of the primary limitations on land use is the availability of water.

Bati Jaha (Coordinates: -15.114, 13.754) Estimated Population: 550

We will replace the well’s cylinder, rod couplings, axle and bearings; we will construct a new concrete water trough, plus a handwashing station.

Kerr Gibel (Coordinates: -15.049, 13.763) Estimated population: 350

We will replace the cylinder and the chain. We will install 8 stainless steel pipes, construct a new concrete water trough, plus a handwashing station.

Sinchu Demba (Coordinates: -15.070, 13.754) Estimated population: 260

We will replace the well’s cylinder, rod couplings, and 2 conversion heads. We will install 6 pipes. We will construct a new concrete water trough. We will rebuild the pedestal, plus construct a handwashing station.

Makka Jaha (Coordinates: -15.133, 13.761) Estimated population: 200

We will replace the bearings, the chain, the axle, and the rod couplings. We will install 8 stainless steel pipes, construct a concrete water trough and a handwashing station.

N’drammeh (Coordinates: -15.039, 13.769) Estimated Population: 500

We will replace the cylinder, the conversion head, and the bearings. We will install 2 stainless steel pipes. We will construct a concrete water trough and a handwashing station.

Nioro Buba (Coordinates: -15.148, 13.727) Estimated population: 500

We will replace the cylinder, the concrete slab, and the rod couplings; we will install 6 stainless steel pipes. We will construct a concrete water trough, plus a handwashing station.

Njaw Jaha (Coordinates: -15.151, 13.732) Estimated Population: 500

First we will begin by dewatering and sanitizing the well. We will rebuild the apron and replace the cylinder, conversion head, bearings and axle. We will install 6 stainless steel pipes and construct a new concrete water trough and handwashing station.

Paleleh (Coordinates: -15.129, 13.749) Estimated Population: 250
We will replace the cylinder, the concrete slab, and the rod couplings; we will install 6 stainless steel pipes. We will construct a concrete water trough, plus a handwashing station.

Wellingara Buba Bah (Coordinates: -15.153, 13.733) Estimated population: 300
We will replace the stainless steel rod couplings, as well as the twin handpump’s 2 cylinders and 2 conversion heads. We will construct a concrete water trough, plus a handwashing station.

NB: All these projects include cost for hand washing station in each community as part of Water Charity’s efforts in fighting Covid-19

Nianija Handpump Repair and Handwashing Tour—The Gambia

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - The Gambia

Nianija Handpump Repair and Handwashing Tour—The Gambia

*As part of the Nianija handpump tour, we will rehabilitate ten wells in ten separate villages.*

Nianija is one of the ten districts of the Central River Division of the Gambia. Nianija is a predominantly Pulaar-speaking region of the Gambia. There are approximately 33 villages in Nianija, the capital of which is Chamen, located at the district’s western edge. Nianija District is unique in that it has no boundary with Senegal. Its west, north, and south boundaries are distinct and are occupied by water for most of the year. Migrating livestock from neighboring Saloums and Niani, and as far away as Sami have been known to feed on Nianija swamp lands during the dry season. Animals from other areas to the west and the north (Senegal) also migrate here during the dry season.

Madina Sinchang Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ45.414 W015ᴼ04.683

Mandina Sinchang has a population of approximately 300 people. The well in Mandina Sinchang is topped by a twin pump that needs to have the stainless steel rod couplings replaced, needs its twin cylinders replaced, a new conversion head, and the construction of a concrete water trough, plus a hand washing station.

Ceesay Kunda Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ43.446 W015ᴼ07.916

Ceesay Kunda is a village of approximately 450 people. The broken well in Ceesay Kunda needs a new cylinder, four stainless steel pipes, and construction of a concrete water trough, plus hand washing station.

Wellingara Alpha Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ44.125 W015ᴼ06.501

Wellingara Alpha is a village of approximately 150 residents. Their broken well needs a new cylinder, replacement rod couplings, axle and bearings, and construction of a concrete water trough, plus a hand washing station.

Jailan Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ43.072 W015ᴼ00.639

The village of Jailan is home to approximately 600 people. The broken pump needs a new conversion head and a new cylinder, new check-nuts, rod couplings, and 7 stainless steel, plus construction of a trough and a hand washing station.

Ndegen Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ44.954 W015ᴼ05.018

Ngeden Village is large, with a population of roughly 1,600 people. To fix the centrally located well we will replace the Cylinder, we will install 11 stainless steel pipes, replace the rod couplings with new stainless steel ones, replace the twin pump’s 2 conversion heads, reconstruct its pedestal, plus a trough for the animals, and a hand washing station.

Nema Samba Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ44.164 W015ᴼ06.866

Nema Samba is a small village of 120 people. The broken pump needs a new cylinder and conversion head. We will also construct a new water trough, plus a hand washing station.

Sare Janko Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ44.637 W015ᴼ05.700

Sare Janko is a village of approximately 650 people. We will begin by dewatering and sanitizing the well, replacing the apron, cylinder, and conversion head, the bearings and axle, installing six stainless steel pipes, constructing a new concrete slab, a new concrete trough, and hand washing station.

Kayai Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ43.839 W015ᴼ07.219

Kayai is a village of approximately 500 people. The well we are fixing will need new bearings, a new chain, new axle and rod couplings, installation of 7 stainless steel pipes, and construction of a new water trough and hand washing station.

Jamwelly Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ44.922 W015ᴼ07.243

Jamwelly is a small village of 150 inhabitants. Their well needs a new cylinder, a new conversion head, new bearings and installation of one stainless steel pipe, as well as construction of a new water trough and a hand washing station.

Sinchu Baya Village: Coordinates: N13ᴼ45.525 W015ᴼ03.400

Sinchu Baya is a village inhabited by approximately 300 people. Their broken well needs a new pump cylinder, new rod couplings, installation of 6 stainless steel pipes, and construction of a new concrete water trough, plus hand a washing station.

NB: All these projects include cost for hand washing station in each community as part of Water Charity’s efforts in fighting Covid-19

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Kpalime, Plateaux, Togo

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Kpalime, Plateaux, Togo

Phase One

The Coronavirus pandemic has created challenges across the globe and affected populations in every continent, region, and country. An opportunity we found to work amid these challenges was in reinforcing hygiene and sanitation practices through the help of our local partners.

AVIDI-TOGO has been a wonderful partner for Water Charity in Togo and through the opportunities we have had to partner together, they are recognized for their commitment to quality work and honest practices in the Kpalime area of the Plateaux Region in Togo.

With AVIDI we worked directly with local metalworkers to “invent” handwashing stations that are foot-pedal operated and require no direct contact with the device. This inventiveness went a step further as members of the AVIDI team have experience making their own liquid hand soap – as a result the entire AVIDI team was put to work.

Phase One of our Handwashing & Hygiene initiative in Kpalime made it’s debut in March, with 70 handmade handwashing stations installed around the various districts of the city, serving an estimated population of 80,000 people. The installed stations were accompanied by 24oz bottles of liquid hand soap, being resupplied by the AVIDI team.

We chose to broadcast over the radio multiple times a day for several weeks about the importance of wearing masks and washing hands in public and at home, and we produced and shared over 2,000 flyers around Kpalime highlighting additional sanitary practices during the heightened time of Coronavirus.

AVIDI focused more heavily on the marketplace, where day-to-day trading and activities continued through the height of the Coronavirus outbreak in Togo, with limited social distancing and limited access to sanitary practices in the marketplace itself. Here we were able to use megaphones in conjunction with our installed handwashing stations to remind vendors and customers of the importance of handwashing practices and the wearing of masks.

Phase One of our initiative was certainly counted as a success, the mayor of Kpalime even personally meeting with AVIDI President Amen Aguda to thank him and displaying AVIDI’s hygienic practices poster on the front wall of the city administrative building. Kpalime’s COVID-19 case count has been very low and controlled after an initial scare and outbreak back at the beginning of March.

Phase Two

The second phase of our Handwashing & Hygiene initiative in the Kpalime region coincided directly with the re-opening of schools in the region and was crucial in teaching sanitary practices to kids and students of a broad age range.

The Kpalime area counts 18 schools and so we were able to fabricate an additional 30 handwashing stations, with larger schools getting more than one installation. With AVIDI’s help we timed this work to take place in the first two weeks of students being back in classrooms – now equipped with their masks and physically distanced in ways not considered prior to the pandemic.

AVIDI’s team visited all 18 schools and organized a teaching exercise lasting about 15-20 minutes where general hygiene practices were shared, and then a specific highlight on the dangers and easy transmission of COVID-19 took place, including the installation and demonstration of the handwashing stations.

The focus on schools is crucial and our hope is certainly that this information is retained and results in the students practicing these taught behaviors at home and encouraging family members to do the same. Our goal moving forward is to incorporate continued Handwashing & Hygiene trainings whenever we implement clean water projects, whether that be with additional handwashing stations or various other methods.

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Lome, Maritime, Togo

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - Togo

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Lome, Maritime, Togo

SV-TOGO team members based in the capital of Togo, Lome, have been hard at work to figure out cost-effective ways to provide relief during the Coronavirus outbreak to some of the hard-hit areas – notably under-funded hospitals and clinics around Lome. Coronavirus has prompted the closure of borders, putting those who relied on petty trade into financial distress. Trade centers like that of Lome are particularly hard hit by the combination of a viral pandemic and a sputtering local economy.

Benjamin Hannani and Faita Essofa are key players in Water Charity’s and SV-TOGO’s activities in Togo and in coming to the office multiple times a week, piloted a program which has us producing and distributing handsoap to the communities most in need. The rest of the SV-TOGO team has had the opportunity to get involved a few times a month by coming to the office and spending the day making soap from scratch. The soap is then bottled in Water Charity labelled bottles and distributed by team members who live all around the city – notably at hospitals and health-centers, as well as elementary schools and high schools who are really focusing on the importance of hand-washing and basic sanitary practices with their students as the Coronavirus continues to be the issue on everyone’s mind.

This low-cost practice has given both SV-TOGO and Water Charity a great opportunity for more recognition around the capital city, and has allowed us the opportunity to shift focus and get involved on the frontlines, reducing costs for health centers already struggling for resources during these trying times.

Please contribute to our Water for Everyone campaign so we can continue these crucial interventions.

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Sokode, Centrale, Togo

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - Togo

Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative – COVID-19 Relief in Sokode, Centrale, Togo

**Water Charity partnered with local NGO PASDI-AFRIQUE to manufacture and distribute foot-pedal operated handwashing stations.**

***Coronavirus Cases increasing in Togo, particularly in Sokode.***

Our Handwashing & Hygiene Initiative was continued in Togo and made its debut in the Centrale region to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Sokode in Centrale became another epicenter of Coronavirus here in Togo and as it is far from the capital, they were struggling to combat it effectively and receive the necessary funding to do so.

The centrale region of Togo covers an area of about 13,500 km squared of which more than 20% are reserves and classified forests including the Fazao National Park Reserve which covers nearly 2,000 km squared.

The city of Sokodé (predominantly Muslim), the regional capital, is the second largest city in the country in terms of number of inhabitants and is famous for its weaving. As a major center for commercial trade, Sokode found itself particularly vulnerable to the transmission of coronavirus. Industrial activities there include cotton ginning and sugar processing. Sokodé has road links with Kara to the north and Lomé, the national capital, to the south.

Water Charity was able to partner with a local NGO by the name of PASDI-AFRIQUE based in Centrale to manufacture more foot-pedal operated handwashing stations, which was accompanied by the creation of soap and hand sanitizer to be distributed in different neighborhoods of the affected area. Masks were also given out during this event and marketplace goers were encouraged towards the safe and prudent hygienic practices during these especially challenging times.

PASDI-AFRIQUE’s donation for the community was received directly by the Mayor of Sokode and this event was broadcast over local radio stations as well as receiving publicity on city and neighborhood pages on social media.

We are thankful to have such capable partners integrated in communities all around Togo who can mobilize rapidly and accomplish meaningful work. PASDI-AFRIQUE certainly fits this description.

Please support our border-to-border campaign to bring water to everyone.

Kiang Central Handpump Repair Tour Phase II—The Gambia

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - The Gambia

Kiang Central Handpump Repair Tour Phase II—The Gambia

*Handpump Repairs and Hand Washing Stations for 5 villages: Bambako, Jiroff, Kundong Numu Kunda, Tabanani, & Wurokang*

The Lower River Division (LRD) is divided into six districts: Jarra Central, Jarra East, Jarra West, Kiang Central, Kiang East, and Kiang West. This is Phase II of our Kiang Central Handpump Repair Tour. In Kiang Central, as in most of The Gambia’s rural villages, most men farm rice, groundnuts, and millet. Most women garden for subsistence food needs, as well as working in the rice fields. Farming is the main source of income, with groundnuts being the main cash crop and rice the staple one. Most farmers use traditional, subsistence farming methods with little or no modern equipment, and the scant surplus of crop, if any, is usually sold for a small profit.

The last few years of diminished rainfall means there is a lack of food to eat with no surplus to sell. These communities are close to the border with Cassamance, Senegal. The Cassamance side of the border is still forested; the Gambian side has been almost completely deforested. In times of poor harvest, these communities often cross the border to chop down trees to make into charcoal, to be sold in the market in the capital city of Banjul–causing the deforestation of Cassamance.

BAMBAKO VILLAGE

GPS: N13°24.408 W015°46.060

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

This is a community made up of the Bambara tribe, which originates from Mali and settled in this part of Kiang Central District about a century ago. It is made up of the Touray, Yarbo and Keita clansmen. The community is usually neglected and as a result, is facing a severe clean water crisis. Sickness among children and women is common due to the lack of clean drinking water. The community is a subsistence farming community that mostly grows groundnut, maize and millet, basically for home consumption, which barely meets their yearly needs. The community has a population of about 300 people.

WORK TO BE COMPLETED

Change the conversion head, dewater and sanitize the well, and install a new cylinder, plus a handwashing station. In addition, the contractor will construct a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from, which will help the community economically.

WUROKANG VILLAGE

GPS: N13°22.682 W015°48.884

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

This is a community of about 1,200 people, and it is dominantly made up of the Mandinka tribe. It has been historically known as one of the earliest villages within the Kiang Belt. The community has tremendous Mandinka cultural history, including Kankurang and Sewruba, among others. The community is a subsistence farming community producing groundnut, maize and millet–basically for home consumption. The community is grappling with a clean water crisis since the only water source cannot meet the people’s needs, resulting in people consuming contaminated water. Repairing or rehabilitating the broken water source will greatly help to provide ample clean drinking water to the community.

WORK TO BE COMPLETED

This twin hand pump requires two new cylinders, 4 stainless steel pipes with rods (two for each hand pump), and two new conversion heads. The well needs to be dewatered and sanitized, as well. As always, a handwashing station will be installed for COVID-19 safety precautions. The contractor will construct a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from, which will help the community economically.

KUNDONG NUMU KUNDA VILLAGE

GPS: N13°25.316 W015°43.014

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

This is a community made up of about 400 Mandinka tribe members. The village was founded by a section of the Mandinka tribe called ‘’Numoo’’ meaning traditional blacksmiths. Thus, the name Numu Kunda is applied to the name of the community depicting the historical facts about the village. The ‘’Numoo’’ used to be in the lower caste in the ancient Mandinka caste system. The community used to be marginalized, but nowadays things are opening up. They are currently facing a severe clean water crisis as the only water source is broken. As a result, they walk a long distance to fetch water from neighboring communities, which are often not friendly to them.

WORK TO BE COMPLETED

For this twin hand pump, we will install two new cylinders, two new conversion heads, new rod couplings (stainless steel), two chains, plus the installation of a handwashing station. The contractor will construct a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from.

TABANANI VILLAGE

GPS: N13°21.836 W015°46.306

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

This is a Fula tribe community, which has a population of about 250 people. It is located not far from the Gambia and Southern Senegalese border. The community is remote and facing a severe clean water crisis. The community has only one water source, which has been broken for ages. They currently travel miles to the Senegalese border village of Sareh Ndamo just to fetch few buckets for sustenance. The community is made up of subsistence farmers and traditional pastoralists.

WORK TO BE COMPLETED

For these twin hand pumps, we will provide a new cylinder and 2 new conversion heads. The well needs dewatering and sanitizing, plus the installation of a handwashing station. The contractor will construct a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from, which will help the community economically.

JIROFF VILLAGE

GPS: N13°25.466 W015°42.469

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

This community has a population of about 700 Fula and Mandinka tribe members. Both tribes have lived peacefully together for decades. The community practices subsistence farming–growing groundnut, maize and millet. The community is facing an acute shortage of clean water, considering the size of the population. There has been a relatively recent drop in the water table, attributed to climate change.

WORK TO BE COMPLETED

Like the others, this twin hand pump needs 2 new cylinders and 2 new conversion heads. It also requires new rod couplings (stainless steel), 2 pedestals, 2 chains, 4 pipes (stainless steel), plus the installation of a handwashing station. The contractor will construct a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from, which will help the community economically.

Conclusion of the El Horizonte y Los Cocos Water Project – Mexico

Disaster Relief

Conclusion of the El Horizonte y Los Cocos Water Project – Mexico

Final Report

This project has been completed. You can read about the start of the project HERE.

The people living in El Horizonte and Los Cocos are absolutely delighted that going forward, after decades of hardship, they can now rely on having water on tap for the first time since the hurricanes in 1998. They say that there are no adequate words to express their relief and gratitude.

The project was originally requested by the leaders of El Horizonte only. However, at the time of making their request, they indicated that it was all but certain that once the people in Los Cocos saw the materials arriving to the area that they would want to be part of the project as well. People have been given unfulfilled promises over and over by political candidates seeking their vote. It is not easy for them to trust after so much deception. So with that in mind, the leaders of El Horizonte suggested that we plan the project to include them as well. As expected the families from Los Cocos did join the project by helping with all the work. Now they too are enjoying the benefits of the completed water system.

The work began with building a dam on the creek using rock and sand from the area. With so many men working together, they finished the structure quickly. Then the hard effort of laying down 4 kilometers of heavy hose began. This was challenging given the terrain, the dense tropical vegetation, and the seasonal torrential rains. When that work was completed, they began to build their distribution tank. Finally each family connected their own hose to the tank to direct the water to their individual compounds.

The work is now complete and the project should serve them well into the future. The water committee will oversee any work necessary to upkeep the system and will also ensure that the water is used wisely so that all can have their needs met. To their good fortune, the creek they use is the drainage for a vast underground system so even though the Sierra is experiencing a drought, the water will continue to flow all year.

The women especially send their thanks to all who participated in making this improvement possible. A small commission of the leaders of the water committee came to our office to advise us that they are planning a celebration to commemorate this significant improvement in their quality of life. They said they wish that it were possible for the “hermanos” (brothers and sisters) from Water Charity, and the kind people who sponsored the project to attend so they could shake their hands.

On behalf of the 48 families who are now enjoying access to water, we extend our sincere thanks.

We are grateful to Michael and Carla Boyle of Foster, WV for having provided the funding for this project!

Rancheria El Horizonte y Los Cocos Community Water Project – Mexico

Disaster Relief

Rancheria El Horizonte y Los Cocos Community Water Project – Mexico

Location: Three kilometers SW of Belisario Dominguez, Chiapas, Mexico, on the Pacific side of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Ejido Ampliación Arenal

Problem to be addressed: Build a new water system to replace that lost in a natural disaster in 1998 

In southern Mexico, over the last 20 years, there have been extreme weather events in the Sierra Madre Mountains that have taken a big toll on impoverished people living in small settlements throughout the vast mountainous region. In 1998, three major hurricanes successively pummeled the high country causing severe flooding and destructive landslides throughout a vast area reaching far into Central America.

Rancheria El Horizonte and Los Cocos were among the hundreds of villages that were heavily impacted by the catastrophe. These two settlements are located on the edge of the river that is the major drainage for this part of the steep escarpment. It flows through the deep canyon and eventually reaches the mangrove forests on the coastal delta.

When the disaster hit in 1998, the floodwaters raged through the canyon carrying huge boulders that quickly filled up the river causing the water to inundate the narrow area where the people live. The flood also carried cars and other debris from buildings that had been washed away in Belisario, the small town up just the highway. Landslides thundered down the slopes as well, leaving terrified people with nowhere to run as they prayed to be spared.

The devastation was extreme. When the storms ended, their schools, many homes, their bridge and many coffee fields were gone forever. But perhaps the most impactful damage was what happened to their water system. The long water line of galvanized pipe that the community depended on for decades was damaged beyond repair. Unfortunately, successive local administrations have not rebuilt a water system for them in all this time. They have had to survive as best they can without reliable access to water. Some families use the unclean water from the river that flows downstream from town to bathe and to wash clothes.

Description of the Community:  

There are 48 households with a total 235 people including the five newborns who arrived in February. The climate is warm and tropical and would support fruit trees that could be planted in patio gardens if the people have adequate water on hand. Families typically have a few chickens for eggs to supplement their diet of beans and tortillas and to have meat for special occasions a couple of times a year. There is a kindergarten and an elementary school in the community which provides public education close to home. The federal highway passes on the other side of the river connecting them to the town where they go to buy supplies.

In the years that followed the disaster, people rebuilt their homes and the elementary school was moved to a safer location. They succeeded in getting a better bridge built. They proudly point out their new church which they build together.

Families in Horizonte and Los Cocos have lived in deep poverty for generations. Before 1998, many had small plots of coffee that gave them some income once a year. Those families who lost their coffee plots now have to seek seasonal work picking coffee for other small-holder farmers which in essence means that the poor are working for the poor. Some men find temporary work as day laborers or builders. One man in the community is fortunate to work at the gas station in town.

Description of the Project: The people own the rights to a large perineal creek that flows all year long. It is the water source that originally served the community for decades before the disaster.

The project will consist of building a wide dam at the source and a large holding tank on a high point above the homes. A two-inch polyduct hose will bring water the 2.2 kilometers from the source down the slope to the tank. Each family will connect their 1/2 inch hose to the tank to bring water to their homes. The entire system will rely on gravity to provide good pressure. Small tanks will be built where changes in the slope will require regulation of the pressure to keep the hose in good working condition. The hose will be installed along the ridge so that it will not be damaged in the event of extreme rainfall. The material to be used is guaranteed by the factory to last for decades.

Impact of the Project: This project will benefit 235 people by ending their struggle to survive the 7-month-long dry season by giving them water on tap. It will provide water for sanitation to the elementary school and the kindergarten which serve children from Horizonte, Los Cocos and other communities nearby. The project will also supply water to the community’s church. It will make it possible for families to raise fruit trees and small gardens to improve their nutrition while saving money.

Project Administration 

The project will be administered by Tamara Brennan, Ph.D., of The Sexto Sol Center for Community Action, an award-winning non-profit that has been working in the region since 1997.

This project will be part of the ongoing Sierra Madre Water Program – Mexico & Guatemala, a comprehensive collaboration between Sexto Sol, Water Charity, and the National Peace Corps Association. The program aims to improve access to water in the under-served and impoverished settlements in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas region of Mexico, spanning the border with Guatemala. The program has already brought water to more than 10,500 people.

Monitoring and Maintenance 

The members of the community are committed to working together to build their water system and to keep it functioning for the benefit of all. The people take turns serving as the leader of their water association by the consent of the members. The elected leader is charged with organizing the men and youth from each household into work crews to maintain the system. Should any problems arise in the future, the members would share the costs of any needed repairs which when spread across so many households should be within their reach to cover. They are very anxious to finally resolve the hardship that they have endured for so many years.

We are grateful to Michael and Carla Boyle of Foster, WV for providing the funding for this project! This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, Click Here.

Kiang Central Handpump Repair Tour—The Gambia

Disaster Relief, Water For Everyone, Water For Everyone - The Gambia

Kiang Central Handpump Repair Tour—The Gambia

Lower River Region’s Kiang Central Hand-Pump Repair & Hand-Washing Tour

The Lower River Division (LRD) is divided into six districts: Jarra Central, Jarra East, Jarra West, Kiang Central, Kiang East, and Kiang West. In Kiang West, as in most of The Gambia’s rural villages, most men farm rice, groundnuts, and millet. Most women garden for subsistence food needs, as well as working in the rice fields. Farming is the main source of income, with groundnuts being the main cash crop and rice the staple one. Most farmers use traditional, subsistence farming methods with little or no modern equipment, and the scant surplus of crop, if any, is usually sold for a small profit.

The last few years of diminished rainfall means there is a lack of food to eat with no surplus to sell. These communities are close to the border with Cassamance, Senegal. The Cassamance side of the border is still forested; the Gambian side has been almost completely deforested. In times of poor harvest, these communities often cross the border to chop down trees to make into charcoal to be sold in the market in the capital city of Banjul. The deforestation of Cassamance is an environmental disaster.

To combat the transmission of COVID-19, Water Charity sets up a handwashing station (with a mo. supply of soap) at every well we rehabilitate.

Nemakuta, Lower River Region, Kiang Central, The Gambia, West Africa; GPS Coordinates: N13°24.943 W015°41.452

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

The Village of Nemakuta, located off the Trans-Gambia Highway at the border with Kiang East, has a population of roughly 1000 people. This populous village has three hand pumps but only two are currently working. Given the population, there is a lot of pressure on the two working handpumps, which are not conveniently located for 30% of the villagers. Nemakuta is made up primarily of Mandinka tribe members who survive primarily by way of subsistence farming.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

The broken handpump needs a new conversion head, a new cylinder, and a new concrete slab for a cover. The current cover is threatening to break apart, posing a safety hazard. In addition, the trusted contractor will install a new trough for the village ruminants to drink from.

This Project has been generously funded by Drop4Drop.

Jatta Kunda, Lower River Region, Kiang Central, The Gambia, West Africa; GPS Coordinates: N13°23.706 W015°41.774

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

Jatta Kunda is a community of 300 primarily Fula tribe members. The village is also home to a small group of Mandinka tribe members. Like most traditional Fula tribe members, the villagers of Jatta Kunda raise a large number of ruminants.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

Jatta Kunda has a twin handpump system that is their primary source of water. Both of these handpumps must be repaired. Right now the village is relying on a single handpump. With the number of domestic animals the village cares for, this one pump is insufficient. To fix the twin handpump system, a qualified contractor will provide and install two new cylinders, and six stainless steel pipes with rods inside (three for each handpump). The whole trough for water ruminants must be replaced.

This Project has been generously funded by Drop4Drop.

Mandina, Lower River Region, Kiang Central, The Gambia, West Africa; GPS Coordinates: N13°25.173 W015°41.903

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

Mandina is a Mandinka community of roughly 350 people. For some time, the Village has been suffering from a severe lack of water. The village’s one handpump currently takes forever to deliver water: minutes of pumping and pumping. As a result, the Village women have over time added to the wear on the pump. According to the contractor, “The women have beat it down over time.”

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

In order to make the pump more instantaneously productive, without the need for so much handle pumping, the handpump needs a new cylinder and a new conversion head. The village has ruminants, so fencing needs to be erected to keep them from contaminating the well. The current trough also needs rehabilitation with new cement.

This Project has been generously funded by Drop4Drop.

Kundong Fula Kunda, Lower River Region, Kiang Central, The Gambia, West Africa; GPS Coordinates: N13°25.049 W015°43.777

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

There are three Kundongs: Kundong Mariya, Kundong Numu Kunda, and Kundong Fula Kunda. When the Fulas that eventually settled in Kundong Fula Kunda initially arrived, they attempted to settle in Kundong Mariya. The Kundong Mariya villagers—primarily Mandinka—said they could not because they did not want to mix with Fulas. To appease the new settlers, who were fleeing violence in Cassamance, Senegal—the people of Kundong Mariya allowed the new Fula migrants to settle in Kundong Fula instead. Kundong Fula is now populated by 950 primarily Fula tribes members, with a number of Mandinka, as well. Like many traditional Fula, the village is home to many herdsmen.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

The broken handpump needs a new cylinder, a new concrete slab, two stainless steel pipes, and a new trough for the village’s domestic animals. All new parts will be installed by a reputable contractor.

This Project has been generously funded by Drop4Drop

Sarr Kunda, Lower River Region, Kiang Central, The Gambia, West Africa; GPS Coordinates: N13°24.285 W015°46.171

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT COMMUNITY

Sarr Kunda is a community made up of 200 primarily Mandinka tribe members who survive largely by way of subsistence farming.

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

The community has only one handpump that frequently breaks; as a result, the community frequently needs to travel over 500 meters to the neighboring village of Bambakoto fetch water using donkey carts and wheelbarrows. The handpump needs a new conversion head, a new cylinder, a new tank, a new water trough for animals to drink from, and a new solid concrete slab cover for public safety.

This Project has been generously funded by Mark Wilson.

WASH Technicians working on Kiang Central water projects.

Kiang West Hand Washing Stations at each Water Charity rehabilitated water point.

Super Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Water Relief – Philippines

Disaster Relief, Filters For Life

Super Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Water Relief – Philippines

The project was initiated to provide aid to stricken areas within days after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. Super Typhoon Haiayn, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, was a true calamity for those who had to endure its awesome storm surge and 195mph winds.

As most of you know, Tacloban city bore the brunt of what looks to be the strongest storm on record to ever make landfall. Lt. Col. Marciano Jesus Guevara of the Filipino military aid said that the biggest problem in Tacloban is a lack of clean drinking water. “Water is life,” he said. “If you have water with no food, you’ll survive.”

Within days after the devastating typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, and while it was still ravaging Vietnam, Water Charity began this effort to get water filters to the victims. With over 800,000 evacuees still housed in makeshift housing, churches and community centers, and well before any refugee camps had been constructed, Water Charity was already organizing the delivery of life-saving carbon nanotube filters.

Our first shipment of filters was paid for out of our own pockets and was flown to the Philippines personally by one of our colleagues to expedite distribution.

Far and away the best and most cost-efficient filter technology, these lightweight, durable and highly effective filters are engineered to less than a micron and thus prevent all known pathogens, bacteria, cysts, protozoa, and even the smallest virus from passing through.

We started using this technology under our Filters for Life Program, so when the extent of the devastation became apparent, we were ready to step up and help with the relief effort.

Looking back, the impact on that country, with 99 million people, is hard to comprehend:

•    14.9 million people affected
•    4.13 million people displaced
•    6,100+ reported dead
•    26,233 reported injured
•    1.2 million damaged houses

Now, long after the world has forgotten about Haiyan and it’s victims, we are still interested in helping out. If we can raise the funds, we will be happy to expand our filter distribution in the Philippines… afterall, lack of clean drinking water kills more people than all of the typhoons and storms they get combined.

Additional Images:

Conclusion of Earthquake Relief & Water Filter Project – Nepal

Disaster Relief, Filters For Life

Conclusion of Earthquake Relief & Water Filter Project – Nepal

This project has been completed under the partnership of Water Charity and the National Peace Corps Association, in association with our friends Wine To Water.

To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.

In response to the earthquakes that devastated Nepal in April and May 2015, Water Charity and Wine To Water have partnered to support the people affected by these events with clean water. Sawyer filters and water holding buckets were procured to enable victims of the destruction to have access to clean water.

The need and urgency of this relief cannot be overstated. More than 3 million people in Nepal lack access to clean water and sanitation due to infrastructure and homes being completely destroyed throughout much of the country. So, in addition to dealing with the magnitude of the destruction of the earthquake, and the pending monsoon season in a couple of weeks which will make living conditions much worse for many, the lack of clean water will compound these problems with an increase in water-borne illnesses.

In an effort to make the highest impact possible, water filters were distributed to the following territories within Kathmandu Valley. Upon the original site assessment of each territory, a local community leader was chosen and trained on program management. This step has proven to be very helpful as these community leaders have ensured the proper care and use of the filter over the weeks following the distribution.

Wine To Water’s CEO, David Cuthbert, joined the ground team to do site visits and assessments on these locations and are pleased to report nearly 100% adoption of the use of the filters in the field. It is clear and extremely evident that they are greatly appreciated by the recipients and highly helpful during this difficult time.

Location 1: Kavreshtali, Ward 5 and Phutung District

In this rural area 3.5 KM north of Kathmandu, 110 filters were distributed thus far. Many more filters are needed to cover more of the population but over 2500 people are using the filters within these areas. The community leader, Nirmal Lama, is overseeing the maintenance and use of the filters by the population. In this area, 275 homes were totally or partially destroyed of the 490 that existed there.

Location 2: Sangla Club, Ward 3

In Sangla Club, 60 Sawyer filters were distributed for the benefit of 1,200 people who live here. The earthquake nearly leveled every home in this area as 240 were totally destroyed of the 268 that once covered the area. People are now living in tents or temporary shelters in this area. Community leader Saraswati Joshi is overseeing the local filter operation.

Location 3: Darmashtali

In Darmashtali, 35 filters have been set up in community hubs and are being used by 1,200 people. Springwater has been contaminated due to the earthquake’s destruction but is still accessible in the community. Filters are being used at these stations to clean water for drinking, bathing, and food preparation. Filter maintenance and management are being done by two young leaders, Ajit Shahi and Shyam Dongol.

Darmashtali, a village rich in Nepali heritage, culture, and community, has seen 90% of its homes destroyed and personal items totally lost. In many ways, they are starting over. As we visited the community on June 4th, 2015, it was evident that the entire community was coming together as best as possible to build temporary shelters in advance of the monsoon season in June. The town is made up of many tradespeople and skilled labor workers.

Although some progress has been made and the water situation has improved, food shortages were obviously still a very large issue. In visiting one of the houses this week, David witnessed a woman cleaning mud off of scattered rice that was buried under the rubble of what was once her home.

The partnership between Water Charity and Wine To Water has directly contributed to provide clean water for thousands of folks in desperate need throughout Nepal.

We would like to thank David Cuthbert and Kyle Lomax once again for their work on this much-needed project.

This project falls under our ongoing Filters For Life Program – Worldwide.

While the work in Nepal has moved from disaster relief to development, there is still a tremendous need for clean water. We will continue this successful project as long as we receive funds to pay for the installation of filters in areas that were hit by the earthquake.

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