Water Wells for Health and Irrigation

Water Wells for Health and Irrigation

By | 2018-06-12T05:22:24-04:00 March 15th, 2011|Cameroon|

With generous support from the Buffalo Arts Studio, Himalayan Institute Cameroon was able to complete its first community water project: the installation of two public wells in the villages of Kishong and Jakiri. Using completely local talent and resources, from rural engineer to construction workers, these two wells were completed in 2010 and are fully operational at this time. These wells are making a huge impact in the quality of life and health for the residents of Northwest Cameroon, who suffer through a serious dry season each year from November to April.

The first well was installed in Kishong Village, on the Himalayan Institute Cameroon Energy Farming demonstration land. A diesel-powered pump carries water from the well at the base of the land to an elevated storage tank.

From there, the water flows to a roadside tap for free public use and through an irrigation system to water six acres of Energy Farming crops, including medicinal herbs, food crops, trees, and biofuel crops.

Himalayan Institute Cameroon installed the second well in the heart of Jakiri, a town located approximately 20 kilometers from Kumbo. Operated by a simple hand pump and without pipelines, this well now serves as a permanent, free water source that exists without encroaching on the present government water system. Because it is installed on the property controlled by the local ruler, it will be protected from vandalism and government intervention, and will be maintained and kept available to the public.

Like the public roadside tap in Kishong Village, this well in Jakiri will empower the local people with free water available in their own community. We believe that clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity to which every person should have reliable access. Now firmly into the dry season, these two wells are already making a significant impact in the lives of community members.

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