Improving Water Resources in the Millennium Villages
In the savanna of central Mali where rainfall is unreliable, water is precious and clean water rare. Most of the community in Tiby (a cluster of 11 Millennium Villages with approximately 70,000 people) has been relying on unprotected water sources for drinking and cooking, and the population is constantly at risk of exposure to waterborne disease, which can lead to serious illness and even death.
Today, an ambitious new piped water system is changing this situation, bringing safer water to more convenient locations throughout the Millennium Village.
"Before the arrival of the new water system, village residents filtered rainwater with their clothes to drink," says the Chief of the Kominé village in Tiby, Mamafing Coulibaly. "But now, with the drilled boreholes and especially with the new piped water system, we have experienced a reduction in waterborne illnesses."
Today, new water points are springing up all around Tiby. The project is drilling boreholes, installing pumps, erecting water towers and connecting it all with pipes donated by U.S. manufacturer JM Eagle. These new water points serving health centers, schools and residents have increased drinking water coverage to more than 40%, and more coverage is on its way.
Dynamic Partnerships Facilitate Our Work
"Our goal is to reduce the rate of death and disease for the people and also help them become more self-sufficient," JM Eagle President and CEO Walter Wang. "In aiding the development of the water infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa we are providing a long-term, life-changing and sustainable solution." The company previously provided pipes for water systems in the MV of Potou (Senegal), and has pledged commitment to seven additional MVs, including Tiby, with more than 260 miles of pipe en route to project sites across sub-Saharan Africa.
Alongside these infrastructure improvements, the project is also focusing on hygiene education and providing adequate sanitation facilities to help reduce risk of waterborne disease.
"With this project," says the Mayor of Farakou Massa, Mr. Salia Diarra, "there will be a reduction of illness and expense. Now, the community has access to potable water in their own village instead of needing to travel."
Piped water systems are a vital part of the transformations taking place within the Millennium Villages, and dynamic collaborations with partners like JM Eagle are helping to bring this positive change to bear.
To learn more about Tiby, Mali click here
Your next Village Spotlight will feature a story from the Millennium Village in of Bonsaaso in Ghana -- look for it in the last week of June!
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