There are now 45 Blue Pumps arrived in Mali, but what is more important is the organization of the project. Since December 2015 there is Allaye Perou, as a Chef de Project. Allaye is a young man who studied engineering at the University of Bamako and now he is working for DVI with women’s groups. He has the knowledge and is interested to take care of the project Pompe Bleue Mali. Simultaneously, Aisha Teme has been appointed as administrators and stock manager. She is a young woman, who can do her work part time for the Blue Pump project. She studied Hydrology in Bamako.
There is also an expert team with the leader Souleyman Dolo for the installation of the pumps. The whole team has been severely tested in January when two pumps broke down. In fact, a damaged pump means no water, but also bad advertisements for the pump in itself. The problem was a defective muff, which forms the connection between the PVC pipes where the water comes up. The muff cracked and consequently the pipes were leaking.
Along with the designer of the Blue Pump, Paul van Beers, we have analyzed the problem and found a solution. The team of Souleyman together with Issouf Sanon from Burkina repaired the pumps and Yssouf gave to the team an additional training. Altogether, the problem was resolved within a week. It was an annoying problem that we hope it will not occur again. But every disadvantage has its advantage. The team has passed this tough test and we could show to the villages that we give a guarantee very seriously.
Meanwhile the pump No.8 is placed in Temagolo and No.9 will soon be placed in Djangoudia. The village Boré is also on the waiting list.