Location
Diakhaba, District of Saraya, Region of Kedougou, Senegal
Community Description
Diakhaba is a growing community of just about 1,700 people. There is no electricity or running water. It is located about 30 km from both Saraya and Kedougou, district capitals, on the main road. There is a functioning health post in the community with an ICP and two matrones. Majority of community members work in agriculture with an increasing number taking interest in the gold mining rush. There is an elementary school that serves 312 students.
Problem Addressed
A well was built at the school in Diakhaba during the previous Peace Corps volunteer’s service at the local elementary school, and paid for by Water Charity. That project can be read about HERE. That project was done to give the school access to a more reliable and safer form of water. In that, the project was successful, but due to a lack of coverage for the well, trash and other debris can fall in, contaminating the water.
The water is no longer safe for drinking or treating with the current capacity of the community. Additionally, the well is not deep enough to provide water throughout the entire year; the water dries up during the dry season. This project can be seen as a follow-up project to the first project, correcting issues that weren’t foreseen, and addressing issues that became clear after the fact.
Project Description
The proposed project is to construct a cover for the school well to prevent trash and other debris from falling in and contaminating the water. The cover will be secured on top of the well with a latched door that can be opened and closed when water is needed to be pulled. In addition, the well will be made 7 to 10 feet deeper. This will allow an ample supply of water for the well throughout the dry season.
Different masons will be completing the work for the well digging and the well cover. Water Charity funds will be used to purchase materials for the well cover, to transport the materials to Diakhaba, and to pay for labor costs associated with constructing the well cover. The community is participating by providing support to those doing the labor on the project and aid in other ways perhaps with transportation costs.
Project Impact
About 320 students and 5 teachers will benefit from the well cover and improved water source.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Nicole Aspros
Monitoring and Maintenance
The well and its cover will be monitored by both the current Peace Corps volunteer and the school director. After completion, there should not be a significant amount of maintenance for the cover
Comments
Water Charity previously constructed the well at this school with PCV Chrissie Faupel in 2013: Primary School of Diakhaba Well Improvement Project – Senegal | Water Charity
This project adds to, and improves upon the work done then, and, in so doing, keeps that valuable work from falling into disuse and disrepair. This kind of maintenance project adds significantly to the sustainability of these kinds of projects.
This project is part of our ongoing Western Africa Water & Sanitation Program.
Dollar Amount of Project
$525
Donations Collected to Date
$0
Dollar Amount Needed
$525
ADOPT THIS PROJECT BY CONTRIBUTING THE DOLLAR AMOUNT OF THE PROJECT.
Donations of any amount will be appreciated. The full amount will allow you a posted dedication, if that is something you would like.
This project has been completed. To see the results, CLICK HERE.
