Project Status



Project Type:  Well Rehab

Program: Water for Sierra Leone

Impact: 200 Served

Project Phase:  Decommissioned

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project was implemented by another partner, but is now monitored and maintained by The Water Project together with Mariatu's Hope.

Most of the people in the community earn a living as teachers, skilled men and traders. Their previous water source was from a river that would cause dysentery and malaria in the community. The rising main in the pump was leaking at the joins and the wall around the water was falling down. This community was eager to help by providing labor and materials. The team repaired the pump head, pump handle, rod-sucker, rising main-drop pipe and the cylinder along with repairing the well pad and a new Afridev hand pump was installed. Also, people kept coming to join in the hygiene training. At the well dedication ceremony there was lots of singing and dancing. When the project was complete the community established a point person to be the caretaker of the well. Testimony from a community member: Rugiatu Kabba, 40 year old trader spoke with the team about the water needs for her community. "The hand pump is easy to use. The water comes out freely. The water is clean which will prevent sickness."

There were 79 adults and 40 children who attended the hygiene training session. They were excited to receive this information. In addition to the lessons, the team discussed the importance of using a toilet. They encouraged those without toilets at their homes to please dig a native toilet. They explained the concept behind this. Some said they would do this. Lessons included: hand washing- proper techniques and water saving methods, healthy unhealthy communities, oral rehydration solution, proper care of the pump, keeping the water clean, good-bad hygiene behaviors, and disease transmission stories.

The community gathered around the well to pray with the team before beginning any work. There was bible storying done during the hygiene training. The community gathered back around the well upon completion to dedicate the well back to Papa God. The gospel was presented. There was singing and dancing and giving thanks to God for this wonderful donor who provided this cup of clean water in Jesus' name to the people of this community.

Project Updates


December, 2017: New Intervention in Benke Community

The initial project in this community (seen in the reporting found on this page) is a display of our shared commitment to helping these people with first time water access. Equally as important to the community and The Water Project is ongoing support to make sure that water is reliable, day after day, year after year. This is why we monitor all our projects. Over time we’ve found that the water table has dropped in this area, limiting the intended benefit of this well. Though not common, this does happen from time to time.  

Because of our commitment to the people in this community (and the lasting impact that our supporters want to make), we’ve drilled this well deeper in order to access a deeper, higher yield aquifer. This work will ensure that clean water is accessible here year round. To see that work, click here.




Project Photos


Project Type

Well rehabilitation is one of the most cost effective ways to bring clean, safe water to a community.  Sometimes it involves fixing a broken hand pump, other times it means sealing a hand dug well to prevent it from being contaminated.  These repairs, and often time total replacements, coupled with sanitation and hygiene training make a huge impact in communities.


Sponsors

Penson Financial Services