Location
Salamata, Region of Kolda, Senegal
Community Description
Salamata is a mid-sized village in the Kolda region of Senegal. The village has a population of approximately 900 residents spread out among 54 family compounds, the majority of whom are Pulaar.
Most families rely on subsistence farming of millet, corn, sorghum, peanuts and beans. Many women also work in personal gardens during both the rainy and dry seasons to supplement their diets and sell vegetables at local markets.
The village has a pre-school and elementary school, but students who wish to continue their studies must leave home for middle and high school.
Many wells in the area present hazards both from contamination and physical injury. They lack cement well heads, leaving them vulnerable to surface runoff and collapse. Additionally, many parents are concerned for the safety of their children who use the wells and play in their vicinity but have no protection from falling into the unprotected holes.
The Salamata Health Hut is run by a volunteer staff of one Community Health Worker, Mr. Ali Balde, two trained birth attendants and a community health educator. Mr. Balde has identified the diarrheal disease as a leading cause of illness within the community, particularly during the rainy season, and has requested this project as a means to prevent future waterborne illness.
Project Description
Twelve wells have been identified for improvement in Salamata. All of the wells to be improved are simple, hand-dug, unlined pits. They reach an average depth of 15-20 meters, with the water table highly variable throughout the year.
Construction will include the reinforcement of well openings to prevent collapse, the creation of 60 cm high cement well heads, and the laying of cement bases to direct runoff.
Under the direction of the Community Health Worker, the cement work will be done by a local mason from Salamata, with assistance provided by members of the benefiting households.
Water Charity funds will be used for the purchase of cement from a local vendor and to pay for labor.
The communities will be providing sand, rocks, water and transportation of materials to the various compounds.
Project Impact
400 people will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Katie Pollak
Comments
This is an important infrastructure project to ensure the health and wellbeing of the residents.
Katie previously completed the Saré Sara Well Improvement Project Phase 3- Senegal.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$555.00 + additional funds
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project now has been fully funded through the generosity of Jean Lasser, of East Lyme, CT, USA, with the assistance of other friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Katie Pollak.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Katie of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Katie and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.