When the team arrived, 1,200 residents form the community and surrounding areas were using surface water to sustain their growing water needs. Because of this and the community’s practice of open defecation, families were suffering from dysentery, malaria, typhoid, diarrhea and severe dehydration among other preventable water and hygiene-related illnesses.
We installed new rods, riser main, drop pipe, cylinder, and chain. These new parts are all made of stainless steel.
The well is a total of 55 meters deep with a static water level of 8 meters.
Not only did the team restore clean water to Dionvour, but they also brought important information on hygiene and sanitation. They taught about hand-washing, how to properly transport and store water, disease transmission and prevention, how to maintain proper care of the pump, as well as signs and symptoms of dehydration and how to make an Oral Rehydration Solution. All of these lessons were taught in a participatory method to help community members discover ways to improve their hygiene and sanitation choices and implement community-driven solutions.
During the team’s stay, community members assembled a water committee consisting of 4 men and 1 woman who assisted the team with the water project whenever possible and who provided meals for the team. The water committee is also responsible for collecting an annual well maintenance fee of $0.50 USD per person. This will provide the community security in knowing they have means available to pay for small repairs in the future.
Village Councilor Abdoulaye Ouerdraogo told us, "I am very happy. I want to thank you for this good water to drink and a sustainable well. With the new materials you have installed today, they will last a long time. This is a great joy for us today. Thank you!”