Disability association managing water point in Mali

At the end of 2016, construction of a water point in Mali’s Borko village drew to a close and management was officially entrusted to the members of the community. Two years later, at the initiative of the Mayor, Hama Kassambara, the city built nine additional taps to expand access to water. However, maintaining and managing the taps became a challenge for Borko, where most communities rely on agriculture to support themselves. During harvest time, villagers work in the fields, leaving the well unmanaged.

A local association of disabled people, “DOM-Toman-Damaye,” offered its services and assumed responsibility of the management of the well. Thanks to the members of the association the operation of the taps is now ensured during the harvest period. The bucket of water costs 5 francs, and the profits are entirely donated to the association of disabled people. With these funds, the association will be able to maintain the system.

In Borko, access to water is more than an economic issue; it also contributes significantly to the health of the community.

Thanks to the quality of this water, Assama and her children are healthier.

To address the continuing humanitarian situation in the Mopti region, ACTED and UNICEF are intervening in Koro, Bandiagara and Douentza in order to improve access to water, hygiene and sanitation, and prevent malnutrition.