Installation of systems for the pumping, accumulation and sanitation of drinking water based on renewable energy to improve the quality of life of seven rural communities in Zanzan (Ivory Coast)
Azimut360 is developing a project for the installation of systems for the pumping, accumulation and sanitation of drinking water based on renewable energy to improve the quality of life of seven rural communities in Zanzan (Ivory Coast). Its main objective is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the inhabitants (especially women and girls) of these communities through the installation of the previously mentioned systems and the renovation of the existing hand pumps.
CONTEXT
From 1960, when the Ivory Coast gained Independence from France, the country's political instability has had a profound effect on its development. Following a civil war in 2002 and various coups, the country is presently governed by President Outtara who was democratically elected.
The Ivory Coast has a population of more than 23 million people, most of them aged below 25 years. Almost half the population inhabits rural areas and only 10% has access to healthcare and 31% to drinking water.
PROJECT
The aim of the Azimut360 project is to design, construct, start up and ensure the long-term sustainability of seven solar plaques for the pumping, accumulation and sanitation of drinking water in seven rural communities in the north of the country. And, additionally, to renovate the existing hand pumps to ensure access to water for the communities 365 days a year. This project is nested within an electricity project using renewable energy that is being carried out in these communities.
The impact of difficult access to drinking water has a number of dimensions. On one hand, it affects health as lack of safe water, due to problems with exploiting the wells, provokes a number of diseases related to bad quality water. It also influences the children's education as they are obliged to pump water or look for it elsewhere. On the other hand, it affects poverty, particularly in the case of women, as they become less productive due to physical problems and the time spent looking for water every day.
The project will ensure access to water 365 days a year. Obtaining drinking water will decrease the amount extracted by hand pumps, diminish the time waiting for water, ensure the capacity of the local technicians to repair the system, augment the involvement and knowledge of the women in the management of the wells, and give more free time to the women and girls.
Finally, in order to guarantee the long-term functioning of the service, a community management program for the wells will be studied and integrated into the new infra-structure.