Marie-Stella-Maris Fund has granted €170,000 euros to Partners Pays Dogon and Aqua for All to build eight water towers with solar-powered pumps in Dogon Country, Mali.
This project follows up a successful pilot implemented in 2019. The two water towers built last year have satisfactorily supplied water to households in Koundou and Wadouba villages. These towers were constructed using pressed clay stone and have solar panels attached to their shade roofs. The towers’ unique design matches with the traditional Dogon architecture.
Dogo Country is a rural area in the Sahel, Mali. It does not have running water or electricity. Drinking water is supplied through water pumps. Infrastructure is poor and there is little economic activity. Women and children spend a lot of time fetching water and the pumps are often broken. In addition, security issues have pushed many NGOs to leave the region.
This construction project will boost water access, health and the economy in the region. These eight water towers will mean a giant leap forward in securing water supply in the villages. The project will also contribute to job creation and training for local technicians who can work in the construction and maintenance of the water towers. Besides, access to safe water and locally produced soap will help contain the spread of Covid-19 in the area.
‘I was moved by the fact that the technical team in Mali was deeply touched by how much people appreciated accessing water and the team’s contribution to make it possible’, said Jan Joost Peskens, Partners Pays Dogon project leared (water)
Since 2012, Marie Stella Maris Foundation finances sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects through Aqua for All. Aqua for All gave technical and organisational assistance to the project pilot in 2019. We will continue supporting Partners Pays Dogon, especially regarding the co-development and monitoring of the new project.