This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Katie Pollak.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to improve 8 wells in 4 villages.
Katie reports:
Work has been completed on the third phase of the Sare Sara Well Improvement Project.
This project was intended to improve the safety and sanitation of eight wells within the Kolda region of Senegal by building cement well heads and wooden covers. The wells were located in four different villages, each within the catchment area of the Salamata Health Hut, Community Rurale of Bagadadji. In the end, the project was able to fund the improvement of one additional well to ensure that every water source in each of the four villages is now safe to use.
Materials for this project were purchased almost exclusively from local vendors or donated by the communities themselves. Project funds were used for 35 bags of cement, 9 sets of door hinges, lumber and the labor of a local mason, mason’s assistant and two carpenters. Sand, gravel, water and transportation of materials to the work sites was provided by the beneficiaries. All of the transactions were handled through a village counterpart who acted as a general contractor.
Work began in early February once all of the cement was purchased and each village met their in-kind contribution requirements. The mason molded bricks for the first seven wells within one week. Once the bricks were sufficiently dry, he was able to construct the well heads within a matter of days. In addition to the well head, a runoff platform was laid around the base of each well to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water around the well. Due to external factors, cement work on the final two wells was slightly delayed but was successfully completed by the end of March. The two carpenters divided responsibility for the well covers, and handmade each using locally sourced lumber.
The beneficiaries of this project span four communities – Sare Sara, Amantoulaye, Sinthon Alonso and Sare Soume. With the completion of this phase, every well in each of these villages has an improved well head and cover. Wells that previously were in danger of caving in or were vulnerable to contamination due to runoff and debris are now safe to use. It is hoped that the benefits of this project will be seen through a reduction in cases of diarrheal disease seen at the health hut this rainy season.
People are very happy with the work that was completed, and have used their own resources to add cross bars and pulleys to a number of the wells. They are excited about the addition of the well heads, since their children are no longer at risk due to unprotected wells.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
We, in turn are grateful to Katie for completing this project, and to her friends and family for providing the funding.
