This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Emily Hurley. To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
This project was to do 35 top-well repairs in the central village and surrounding hamlets.
Emily reports:
We have completed 35 top-well repairs throughout 4 villages in the commune of Dombila. Two trained masons teamed with local volunteers to reinforce well structure and equip wells with metal covers. In addition, each beneficiary site received training in essential behaviors around the well areas and water treatment.
The project went smoothly, and our project objectives held throughout. We assessed the project with an evaluation event where PCVs teamed with Water and Sanitation Committee Members to assess well structure and sanitation.
The goals of construction and training were reached, and all but 4 of the sites reached the behavioral standards for well treatment and cleanliness spelled out by the committee. The committee then returned to these sites for additional training with beneficiaries.
The project was successful in training of over 700 beneficiaries on well sanitation, improved standing water, and water quality.
The project resulted in the committee improving in its management techniques and decision-making capabilities. In addition, we strengthened relationship with groups within and outside of the community working on similar goals.
The participants reported a noticed improvement in water quality and a decrease in water-borne diseases among beneficiaries.
In addition, the project greatly built the capacity of the masons. Last year, these two masons were but apprentices, but the quality of the top-well repairs only improved during the project. Now, these two men demonstrate high ability in technique of top well repaired and are groomed for similar work should it arise in the future.
To provide for sustainability into the future, each well site now has a packet of information on how to maintain their well, and many have established savings for upkeep costs. Sites are also required to pay a membership fee to the committee every year as reparation insurance. Each committee member is in charge of 3 to 5 wells and will report any problems, behaviorally or structurally, at monthly committee meetings. Members will also remind well owners to treat the water with chlorine at the start of every month.
We are grateful to Emily for completing the project and to The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust for providing the funding.