This project is made possible through the partnership of WATER CHARITY and the NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION.
Location
Babel and Keur Sonka, Nguekhokh; Department: Mbour; Region: Thies
Community Description
Babel is a village of around 500 people. It is 10 km East of Nguekhokh. Keur Sonka, a village of around 500 people, is around 2 km farther East.
Problem Addressed
Keur Sonka has been having issues with drinking water for several months. Community members have been traveling to the well in Babel for access to water. As of recently, the well in Babel is damaged and no longer an option for either village as a source of drinking water, so members of both communities are traveling several kilometers to access clean water.
Project Description
This project is to build a new well in each of the two villages.
The locations of the wells were decided based on a discussion with the mason, village chief, the PCV, and her local counterpart. The new well in Keur Sonka will be located behind the school. The school is in a central location and everyone was confident this was the best location. The well in Babel will be located in the village center. The village is divided into three parts so the most central location in Babel makes the most sense.
A mason has been chosen based on competitive bidding. He has recently built two wells nearby, using motivated workers, with great success. His work has been guaranteed, and a payment schedule has been arranged.
The well will be drilled to 12-13 meters, or more if needed to ensure a reliable access of water during the dry season. The area is rocky, so digging is expected to be difficult.
Water will be drawn using a rope, bucket and pulley system, as preferred by the villagers. Each well will have a concrete pad on the outside.
The community will contribute non-skilled labor in the gathering and transport of water for the project. They will also provide the mason and his team with housing and three meals per day.
The chief of each village will control access to the wells, but they will be public wells, and there will be no charge for their use.
Project Impact
1,000 people will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Mallory Ross. Mallory previously implemented the Keur Bakary Master Farm Water Project – Senegal.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Following the building of the wells, several community members will be trained on well care and maintenance, as well as WASH training, to ensure sustainability.
The well worker lives locally and will be available to perform repairs should the need arise.
Comments
This project addresses an immediate need. The community is the driving force, and the results will benefit the residents for many years to come.
Fundraising Target
$3,500
Donations Collected to Date
$3,500
Dollar Amount Needed
$0 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of Frank Crabtree, Lisa Crabtree, Sheryl Benbrook, Karen Albert, Woodward Rotary Club, James Mackey, and Averill Strasser and Beverly Rouse (in honor of the 50th birthday of Darryl Swarm).
Funds raised in excess of the project amount will be allocated to other projects in the country
