Makonkarie Water Project

This water project is part of a development program designed in collaboration with the people of Makonkarie and SLYI to alleviate poverty in this target area after the war. We believe this step would contribute to the development of the country and achieving the UN millennium goals. Further details about the project can be found on the website: www.slyi.nl

Goals overview

This project involves the constructing, managing and maintaining of water wells in the Makonkarie village, in North Sierra Leone. The project would also increase public awareness through campaigns and open discussions on water usage and management by the target group. This would serve as a very important indicator to guarantee sustainability.

Current status

In 2008 this water project was written and presented to Aqua 4 all for financial assistance. AQUA 4 ALL agreed to finance part of the project under condition that SLYI is prepared and ready to actively look for donations through organization of fund raising activities, or to inform other development funds for their assistance. SLYI was unable to raise the needed amount to kick-start the project in March this year. A second appeal to fund the remaining money was made by SLYI to Aqua 4 all, who then recommended SLYI to contact Akvo. When funded, this project would be implemented in January 2010.

Project plan

The main strategy is to work actively with our partners in Sierra Leone to select committee members with a Maximum of 5 people in the target area. Train and equip them with necessary skills in the construction and management of the wells.

Although the primary target group is the people of Makonakrie, this project should also be able to provide water needed to support palm oil plantation of 1000 trees in the village. This plantation was established by SLYI to provide funding for school children when they enter the secondary education. Part of the profit from this plantation would be donated put into the fund.

As the initiative was of the local community, the project is to work with them in close collaboration to build the two wells. We will set up a project committee consisting of local men and women, and train them to manage the process and project. A fund will be established for maintenance of the water wells, for which money will be collected by the project committee from the beneficiaries of the wells.