At Kougpélin, in the neighborhood of the village of Bouassa where the Hand Pump was set up, the population is getting even more involved. It is amazing how water brings life! In the Protestant parish of the village square, where the project started, meetings were held, bringing together the youth, women and anyone that wanted to brainstorm on the economic development of the neighborhood. And ideas came together! Gradually, these ideas have become serious projects and people have mobilized around each other’s ideas. The most successful at present is small pig farm. To start, they will raise a few pigs and sows, and when the herd will grow, they will be build a larger pig farm on land not far from the neighborhood. The project includes a down payment from the villagers that are getting involved, about 20%, and the rest should come from an NGO based in Belgium. A project manager, agricultural technician and retired teacher, are involved in the creation of this pig farm. When funds are released, they will begin operations: construction of pigsties, training of a few people who will be employed, treatment of excreta, etc. The project that I had the chance to read is great and frankly economically very strong over the medium and long term. At the same time, and with the same intent, women in the village have a project to make artisanal soap to sell, others want to build a kiln and make and sell fresh bread.
So while the Bouassa project has been delayed due to the grant refusal by the City of Paris, things are not stagnant. The villagers of the Bouassa took its future in their hands and that is truly the essence of how we see development!
Nevertheless, we are still in contact with two foundations that are interested in the Bouassa project. Decisions should occur in November. So we still hope to still set up a water tower, latrines, recovery station for excreta as well as a vegetable garden, which also will provide for some women with jobs.
…and we still adamantly believe…
THE SOLUTION:
ONE WELL PER VILLAGE:
We believe people, not water, can change everything! When you sponsor Well Drilling Project in Burkina Faso, Africa you’ll unlock the potential of an entire community! #Burkina
Bouassa’s goals:
- Promote access to water for the local population
- Help families and children in distress
- Develop economic activities in line with access to water
- Participate actively in the city’s “Community Development Plan”
- Raise awareness in economic management of water and sanitation
- Accompany children for better personal hygiene, reducing sickness