Clean Water Transforms Life
The United Nations has stated that on a global basis “every 20 seconds, a child dies as a result of water related disease.” This fact is painfully evident in the country of Benin. Most villages draw water from disease contaminated intermittent streams and rivers. The consumption of this water results in a variety of water borne diseases which the children and elderly have difficulty surviving. The fact is that this loss of life and illness does not need to occur.
In the spring of 2004, GAiN finalized a partnership agreement with the government of Benin to provide clean drinking water to the people of Benin by drilling multiple water wells in the rural countryside.
Strategy for Life
In September 2004, GAiN delivered a well drilling rig to Benin and is currently in the process of drilling water wells in rural villages, the home of the poorest people in Benin. The former First Lady of Benin, Margaret Kerekou, had agreed to be the “moral force” behind the project.
As their part of the partnership, the government of Benin provides a 5 ton truck to move supplies between locations. They also provide a 4×4 pickup for the transport of the well drilling crew, test the water quality for each well drilled and conduct seismic studies which enable each well to be drilled correctly.
Beninese officials have sited that the country’s needs for clean water require 1500 wells/year for the next 10 years. The current general well drilling rate in Benin is only 400 wells/year.GAiN has agreed to fund the drilling of the water wells and provide the management and crew for the project. The source of funding to date has been through the generous donations of people and corporations. GAiN is currently committed to drilling 70 wells per year in Benin, through the privilege of partnering with others.
Clean Water
Working with the Ministry of Hydraulic & Energy in Benin, GAiN is providing extensive hydraulic information for each well that is to be drilled. In most parts of Benin, clean, disease free drinking water is in abundance 50 to 60 meters below the surface. Tapping this water brings an end to the cycle of disease and death that has plagued these people all of their lives. GAiN will send in medical teams to the villages to treat people who have parasites and diseases from contaminated drinking water. Agriculture specialists will then be brought in to teach the people how to maximize irrigation and how to effectively use fertilizers. GAiN has also met with the Ministry of Hygiene and the Ministry of Sanitation to co-ordinate the well drilling with other existing and proposed government projects. Once clean water is provided, the people are able to regain their health, and have the ability to be more effective in their agricultural projects. Also by providing a well in or close to the village, women and children are no longer required to carry water over extremely long distances in the dry season.
Better health results in more productive time in the fields. The increased water supply also provides water for drip irrigation, resulting in increased field production yields. The surplus crop can be sold to local markets providing much needed income to the village, eventually leading to financial independence for these people.
Response — Our Commitment to Help Rejuvenate Lives
This project can literally transform a village and stop the cycle of suffering and death that contaminated drinking water has caused for generations. GAiN requires financial help to bring clean drinking water to these people. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provided a $200,000 grant for this project.
At a cost of only $8,500 the well will transform a village and change their way of life forever. Please join us in bringing pure water, health, and hope to 140 more villages in Benin over the next 2 years!
As of Spring 2009, 109 water wells have been drilled, transforming the lives of up to 109 000 people! Click here to read more details of the current progress. You can also read well drilling highlights from 2007 and 2008, and ALERT trip highlights in 2008.
