Further water fountains put into operation in the Ivory Coast
At the end of September 2011, in cooperation with our partners in the Ivory Coast, four defective fountain pumps have been repaired in the region of N’zi Comoé in the east of the Côte d’Ivoire. The people living in the villages of Bouaffoukro, Koumanbo 1 and 2 as well as Ténékro need not walk anymore several miles - up to 8 miles - to collect water from rivers and lakes – often polluted water. In some of the waters, the tropical roundworm is found, the cause of river blindness. In some villages, up to 30 % of the population has lost its sight.
The inhabitants of the four villages actively participated in repairing the water wells. Now they distribute the water in the communities on their own initiative. They formed water committees composed of women and men with particular responsibilities. Some are responsible for repairing the wells. At the beginning of the project, they were trained in maintenance of the wells. Others carry out hygiene education in the villages and still others are in charge of the financial management. The villagers came to an agreement that each water pump user has to contribute 2.50 Euro per year to pay the future maintenance and repair of the water pumps.
On the whole, this is a very positive development. After the three wells set into operation in the Western of Ivory Coast in 2011, currently seven pumps in total provide the people with the precious water, and the preparations for the restoration of further wells are under way. In the west of Côte d’Ivoire, further eight 8 wells will be set into operation. In the Eastern N’zi Comoé region in two more villages at least the water supply will be improved.
