Rehabilitation Project
Upon completion of the project, our partner in the field reports...
A LWI Burkina Faso team member commented, "All the people of the village came out quickly when we arrived, and before no time at all the installation was finished and clean water was flowing. At the end, many men and women were requesting for someone to send a preacher to them to hear more of this Jesus." When the team arrived, community members were utilizing a protected hand dug well located one kilometer away from the community to meet all of their water needs. Because of this and the community’s practice of open defecation, families were suffering from dysentery, typhoid and malaria. During the team’s stay, community members assembled a water committee consisting of eight men who assisted the team with the water project whenever possible, provided materials and meals. Most community members subsistence farm or artisan gold mine to support their families. This water committee is also responsible for collecting a monthly well maintenance fee of $0.20 per family. The most predominant religions are Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Animist. The nearest school is located five kilometers away from the community whose students, teachers and administrative personnel all have access to the new, safe water source. Before leaving the community, the team provided community member, Raoul Some, with a LWI Burkina Faso contact number in case their well were to fall into disrepair, become subject to vandalism or theft.
The LWI Burkina Faso team had an opportunity to meet with seventy-three year old community member, village chief and farmer, Bahibar Some, who stated, "You have come today to our aid to rehabilitate this pump and now, here it is, water is flowing abundantly. This well was idle a long time because we didn't have the means necessary to repair it. But, thanks to God we have water. We want to thank you for this. But we would like to give you something because you have given us more than just water. We will reflect together how we can put something in our hands together to give you. We have nothing to give you like a gift for your partners in the USA. Because of this we will thank you with empty hands and pray that God will accompany you with good health and safety in your family. Thank you!"
During the hygiene education, the LWI Burkina Faso team addresses: 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 Oral Rehydration Solution. All of these lessons are taught in a participatory method to help community members discover ways to improve their hygiene and sanitation choices, and implement community driven solutions.
