Location
Morarano, Foulpointe Commune, Tamatave II region, Madagascar
Community Description
Morarano is a rural village located 12 km southwest of the beach town of Foulpointe on the east coast of Madagascar. About 150 people live in the village center. However, the presence of an elementary school means 270 students come in from the surrounding hills on a daily basis.
The majority of people are rice farmers, who supplement their income with other crops such as cloves, coffee, litchi fruit, and bananas. The average person earns about a dollar a day.
As of 2005, Missouri Botanical Gardens has worked with the local forest association to protect the last remaining 220 hectares of endemic forest in the area. The park, known as Analalava, attracts tourists from Foulpointe and there is a hope that an increase in ecotourism can eventually help the local population.
In Malagasy, Morarano literally translates as “easy water” or “lots of water.” Frequent downpours mean that streams and rivers rarely go dry. In fact, there is a water source in the village center that is always full.
However, muddy and polluted water from nearby rice fields and a pig farm leaks into the source upstream before it collects in a stagnant pool near the elementary school. In the pool, people bathe and wash laundry and dishes before taking the water home to cook and drink.
On most days, you can’t see the bottom at depths as shallow as four or five inches. This dirty water source is the cause of a number of health issues ranging from stomach ailments to skin diseases.
Project Description
This project is to provide clean water for the villagers and the students by hand digging a well near the church in Morarano.
The well will be located within a two-minute walking distance for everyone, including the students at the EPP Elementary school. It will be dug to a depth of three meters, where water has been proven to be prevalent.
The work will be done by a school teacher with experience in digging lined latrines, the Peace Corps Volunteer, and a motivated health worker who lives in the village. Community members will also help out in shifts during this period.
The community as a whole is excited about the prospect of the well, and villagers have started collecting sand in gunny sacks to make concrete.
A technician will be hired to come with a mold in order to pour four one-meter concrete rings (three underground, one above) that will line the well.
A vehicle will be rented to carry in materials (sacks of cement, iron bars, a mold, and gravel) 12 km from Foulpointe.
Upon completion of the project, a neighboring health volunteer will visit the village to teach sanitation practices associated with the well.
There is actually a need for two wells in the village to ensure an adequate supply both for the villagers and the elementary school. Therefore, it is anticipated that there will be a follow-up project upon successful completion of this well. Any remaining materials will be used for the next project.
Project Impact
300-400 people will benefit from this well.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Andrew Bourret
Comments
This is an excellent project that satisfies an urgent need. It is expected that the clean water source will immediately yield benefits in the improvement of the health and well-being of the villagers.
Dollar Amount of Project
$550.00
Donations Collected to Date
$550.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has now been fully funded through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Andrew Bourret.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Andrew of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Andrew and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.