WATER FOR LIFE

ASSOCIATION

In 1988 at the creation of Water for Life association (WFL), the first projects were conducted in Tanzania. This was the establishment of water supply networks in two villages (Iringa and Kilolo) with about 5000 inhabitants. To build these networks, local resources were preferred (wood and bamboo) on the one hand because their cost was the lowest and on the other because they could be easily replaced (new plantations management). At the same time as the implementation of the installations, the WFL assured technicians' on-the-spot training who learnt all the stages of the manufacturing and the implementation of the bamboo pipes.
Thus, once the installations were completed (a period between 1988 and 1989), the local population was able to maintain them. These contacts that we have with these towns confirm that installed networks are still in service.

The life span of bamboo is more than 10 years; the technicians do the repairs when needed.

    

 

1988 - 1989 : TANZANIE

 

2 villages of 5000 inhabitants water supply (supply system of bamboo, wooden tanks).

Besides the interest of water supply systems for the development of agriculture, it became obvious to WFL that to improve the distribution systems of water also which have a strong impact on the education level of the village people. In several agricultural districts, children (mostly girls) are forced to spend more time fetching water (distribution points can be located several miles from home). The time spent on these water fetching taken from the time that could be spent in school. Thus, work to improve systems for water distribution can work effectively against low levels of schooling that can be seen in the countryside. Particularly it was in this context that the project was led in Awe (Nigeria, Oyo state) between 1990 and 1994.

 

 

1990 - 1994 : NIGERIA

 

Installing an irrigation system for agricultural development and a water distribution system at the center for the deaf and dumb in Awe. Establishment of training (for technicians) for knowledge transmission (the entire population benefits from the infrastructure that is about 10,000 people in this area).

 

 

1996 - 2000 : BENIN - Songhaï Center (Porto-Novo)

 

For 5 years, WFL has worked closely with the Songhaï Center in Porto-Novo to transfer the bamboo-wood technology for the establishment of irrigation system or water supply, eco-friendly. Songhai Center has conducted research on the different bamboo species must suitable to be used.

 

• Calibration of the bamboo

• Tempering of the bamboo to improve the resistance

• Drilling of enters - knots of the bamboo to make it continuous pipes

• Planing of the extremities for the fitting in joints in PVC

 

Site of Songhaï Center :