Location
Annex of Kedougou, Region of Kedougou, Senegal
Community Description
Kedougou is the largest town in the Region of Kedougou, 420 miles southwest of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The community has experienced rapid growth in the past few years, with the discovery of gold 60 miles north of the town creating a migration to the area. With this expansion, new families build farther out from the town center, with a resultant need for water and sanitation.
This part of Kedougou is not served by electricity or running water. All water is supplied by 10-meter wells. There are two wells currently in poor repair serving 200 people. This water is used for cooking, cleaning and clothes washing.
More clean water will lead to better health and provide additional water to develop gardens that will aid in better nutrition. The compound where this project is located is used by a local teacher to provide additional after-school instruction for the neighborhood.
Project Description
This project is to build a hand-dug, cement-lined, well for the community. It will be implemented under the direction of the Water Sanitation Committee and carried out by local diggers and masons.
The well will be 1 meter in diameter, and dug to a depth of 12 meters. The work will be done by a skilled local well digger, and will cost 200,000 CFA or about $200. Since the earth is mostly clay-like material, this well will require a cement lining. The lining will extend the life of the well by many years and deliver safer water by preventing the entry of contaminants.
The remaining funds will be used to buy cement that will be used to make concrete for the well liners. This process is done by another skilled craftsman from the community. He and his workers will build the liners and install them.
The concrete will extend approximately one meter above the ground and have a cement apron around it. This will help keep debris from falling into the well and make the well safer for children.
A cement cap will be constructed to cover the well as funds permit.
Installation of a rope pump will be done if funding is available. This will not only aid in water delivery, but also serve to preventing ropes from being contaminated by bacteria on the ground and then introduced into the well.
Project Impact
Over 100 people will directly benefit from this project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Charles Gemmell
Comments
Water Charity is extremely pleased to be able to enable the construction of another well in Senegal. This project is tremendously cost-effective, in that it provides a long-lasting source of water to a large number of people at a very reasonable price. There is widespread community support, and care has been taken to ensure the safety and longevity of the new well.
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.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Charles 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.