Location
Marembilia, commune de Kokofata, cercle de Kita, Kayes region, Mali
Community Description
Marembilia is a small village of 500 people, mostly Malinke, and virtually all subsistence farmers. Potable water is their primary concern. Most drinking water is taken from traditional wells, which are susceptible to high contamination.
There is one fully operational pump at the school, a partially functional pump at the chief’s, and a non-operational pump closer to the center of the village.
People within proximity to the working pumps are more likely to take their drinking water from them, and avoid the unsafe sources.
The community has begun preparing land for a single-hectare community garden, including a low-maintenance irrigation system, and has also expressed the need for a convenient and reliable method for watering the community’s livestock in the hot season, once the seasonal stream has dried.
Project Description
This project is to restore the pumps in the village to full functionality to provide for the potable water needs of the village, and to provide additional facilities for irrigation and tending to livestock.
The project is multi-faceted: funds will be used to purchase (1) replacement parts for the inoperative Mark model bore-hole pumps, (2) a NAFASORO irrigation pump and its accessories for the women’s community garden, and (3) materials for constructing animal drinking troughs and a soak pit.
The village has already opened the bore-hole pumps and determined the necessary parts for its repair.
The Mark model pumps will also serve as the water-feed for garden irrigation with the NAFASORO pump and cattle watering during the hot season, when the seasonal stream can no longer sustain this demand.
The pump close to the center of the village is adjacent to the area being prepared for gardening, and will have a small reservoir attached to it in order to feed the NAFASORO. With this system, a relatively minimal amount of labor will be required to water the garden, and it will not suffer from inconsistent rainy seasons.
Purchase of the NAFASORO is most expensive, accounting for two-thirds of the project funds. The replacement parts for the pump are relatively inexpensive (piston cups and gaskets) and the rest of the funds will purchase a few bags of cement and PVC piping for the drinking troughs and soak pit.
The project is being carried out under the direction of the Water & Sanitation Committee / Women’s Shea Cooperative.
Project Impact
All 500 people of the village will benefit from the project by making potable water accessible. Included are 100 women who will have the potential to generate income from produce sales. Also included are families raising cattle that will benefit from the animal drinking troughs.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Eric Braaten
Comments
This project accomplishes a number of independent things, affecting a large number of people, on a very modest budget.
Health benefits will be achieved through increased availability of potable water and improved nutrition from increased produce consumption. In addition, the work of caring for cattle is reduced considerably, freeing up time for more productive use.
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 Shannon Smithers, of Van Alstyne, TX, USA, with the help of friends and family of Eric Braaten.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Peace Corps Volunteer Eric Braaten of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Eric and/or those of his counterpart PCVs in Mali.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.