By Laeticia Kabore | Program Director
Over the last six months, the CBG-WA local team has been working with the residents of Kamsi to strengthen the water retention basin and to continue preparations for the installation of solar equipment to power drip irrigation systems for the gardens and farms in the village.
Recently, cracks were found on the dam walls in places. Also on the right bank side, the portion prepared to support the emergency spillway at this point had deteriorated. In terms of basin strengthening, villagers have agreed to contribute money for the repairs. A mason in the village has been identified, who will be helped by young people, to inspect and do the necessary work.
The village women identified two places in the gardens for the development of the project drip irrigation system. Also a third location was identified for sprinkler irrigation. At each location (the first and second) identified by the women, there are two wells nearby and the wells are about 50 meters apart. These wells have a thickness of 2 meters each are close to full at present. The rainwater catchment basin is doing its job - catching water and restoring the water aquifer. The restoration of the aquifer enables the water table to rise, and provides water for the village each day of the year.
Josephine, the President of the Women's Food Cooperative, states: " This new basin is the best! We have water and lots of it. You can see how high the water is in the wells. It's incredible, we have never had this much water. We are so thankful to CBG-WA for helping us have this rainwater catchment basin."
The timetable for the installation of the solar-powered irrigation equipment and system is for the material to be sent to Kamsi in mid-August and fully installed by the end of August. The installation will be very important for the effectiveness of the gardens. The Chief of the Village says: "We have over 4,600 people in our town and all are benefiting from the rainwater catchment basin. Everyone in the village worked hard to have the basin, and work hard now to use the water correctly. It is a wonderful benefit to us. Please tell all involved that we are truly thankful."
Since the United States Embassy in Burkina Faso helped to pay for the water irrigation system, in late September there will be a ceremony celebrating the use of solar energy and handing over the project to the villagers. The members of the community, many government officials and personalities will be attending to help enjoy the wonder and need for water.
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