Ready for the pump

In the village of Ninigui, the population is preparing for the installation of three water pumps: one in the district of Baasneeré, close to the seat of the Naamgroups' Farmer Union, the two others in the large district of Souka.

The future users of each one of the three pumps are gathering to reflect upon the roles of the committee to be installed.

Beatrice, Ocades' trainer, is leading the discussions. Slowly it becomes clear why it is crucial to have a well functioning committee: to maintain the pump, to ensure hygiene, to keep the cash and to take care of small repairs.

Not just everyone can be part of the committee: every function has its demands. Being able to read and to write is essential to be secretary, for example.

After the session, the future users get together to appoint the committee's members.

The 21 members of the three committees are trained by Ocades to fulfil their duties correctly.

A part of the training deals with the importance of hygiene and the prevention of water-bound diseases.

What do you have to do to prevent your pump from degrading as the one on the picture?

The three committees visit an already existing pump in another district of the village. They see in practice what is important for its maintenance.

The committee manages the cash in order to pay eventual repairs. Money enters through periodical contributions of the users, or through the sale of water at the pump. The committee must be able to keep the accounts.

To install a pump you must first drill for water. Heavy machinery is needed to bore down to more than 75 meters.

Down to 40 to 50 meters, the underground is altered and comparatively soft. Another drill chuck is necessary to drill into the hard rock beneath. If you don't find water, the drilling is said negative. So we're hoping for three positive drillings.