PTPI Blog

Diamel is a Pulaar village in Senegal with a population of approximately 350. It is located 185 kilometers from Saint-Louis, the capital of the northern region of Senegal. The predominant source of income in Diamel is subsistence farming of rice and millet, and pastoral activities. Access to safe water is a challenge in the village and all of the villagers are in need of a safe and consistent water supply. In the past, the nearest well was over 600 kilometers away. Making matters worse, villagers must cross the main road (Route Nationale) to get there, which is very hazardous due to the risk of accidents.

The new well in Diamel, Senegal

When a member of PTPI visited Diamel in February 2009, members of the PTPI Senegal Chapter provided accommodation and meals, and the subject of finding a solution to the problem of access to water came up. After making arrangements for funding the project, a decision was made to dig a well to benefit the village.

The well was dug by local well diggers, with the help of men from the village. It was dug to a depth of 30 meters in order to ensure year-round access to water, and covered with zinc sheets to avoid outside contamination. It will function with a solar water pump. The new well will provide the 350 villagers with not only clean water, but with the opportunity to start gardening and keeping chickens.

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