Installation of boreholes and pumps
In January, Pal Pauer, a recognized world expert, will be coming to Ait Attab to supervise the drilling of boreholes to get clean drinking water to the centre we are building, as well as other places in the area. The village of Ait Larbi is a high priority as they are furthest away from the all-year-round source. They have to walk 10km each way in baking heat.
Having clean water close by, all year round, will make a massive difference to these folks' lives, and reduce illess, particularly in the children.
There is a 10-minute video, "maji Mengi" (link to youtube.com) which documents some of his work for the Global Resource Alliance. Pal works with "Primary Water", which is thought to be generated deep within the earth and forced up through fissures in the rock. Thus it is not dependent on rainfall, and Pal has found water for many communities in very arid areas.
Restoration of existing wells
Further down the valley there are two wells and a spring which are used by the people from all around. The spring is generally clean water, and has been tested for common pollutants. It runs all year, though there is very little towards the end of summer, and it is the furthest away from the mountain. The other two wells need to be cleaned and repaired, and to have covers fitted for safety and to stop contamination. This will cost about $3,000.Installation of dry (composting) toilets
Current toilets are just holes in the ground. These can contaminate ground water, and are generally not very hygienic. Composting toilets solve the problem of waste disposal without any expense apart from the building.
Initially we'll install composting toilets at the centre and these should encourage others to have them, when they see the benefits. The toilets will produce good fertilizer and help to restore the soils in the area.
