Location
Neighborhood of Diamel, Dogui Dombe, Department of Podor, Region of St. Louis, Senegal
Community Description
Diamel is a small neighborhood of about 200 people in the larger community of Dogui Dombe totaling 695 people. Dogui Dombe is about 10 kilometers from the main road, and 5 kilometers from its closest market town, Gollere. It is located directly off a river, and has no electricity, no market, no medical dispensary, and no school buildings.
The community is split into two neighborhoods by the river and land. The larger part of the community, Dogui Dombe, has access to running water via a water tower in a neighboring community, Takoyel. However, Diamel is located 2 kilometers away and across the river (North of the river). Diamel has no access to running water, only wells.
The community Chief, Seydi Diol, lives in Diamel. It is important to note that members of each community spend time, work, and live in both neighborhoods. Everyone fishes and farms as a living.
Problem Addressed
Diamel is home to two wells that are the area’s sole water source. The wells are only about 12 meters deep. However, in the dry season these wells dry up and/or become very muddy. The community is left to either drink very unsanitary water or haul buckets of water over a distance of 2-3 kilometers and across a river.
Many people complain about the quality of water during the dry season because many men, women, and children get sick from it, leaving them more vulnerable to serious disease and dehydration.
Project Description
This project is to repair the two wells in Diamel.
The depth of the wells will be increased as necessary to ensure that water is available throughout the year. The concrete on the bottom of the wells will be repaired.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase the materials, including cement, rebar, and attaching wire, and also to pay for the labor of the skilled well digger.
Local horse carriage owners will transport the supplies.
Project Impact
695 community members, consisting of 427 youth, 134 women, 25 elderly women, 104 men, and 5 elderly men, will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Erin Aquino
Comments
This small project will greatly improve the quality of life for members of the community by providing an ample supply of clean water during the entire year.
Project Funding
This project has been paid for through the generosity of James Berg in honor of the Martin and Noreen Guy Family of Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.