$300 Well Project Proposal in Farcha, Chad

Chad is part of the Sahel in Africa, it has two seasons throughout the whole year. The dry and the rainy season. During the dry season which seems to be the longest Chad usually experiences the absence of rainfall, dry weather and a very exponential rate in the increase of the atmospheric temperature.  This ultimately causes drought and the scarcity of water for domestic use especially. The non availability of water for use has many disadvantages among the poor masses. They often suffer from dehydration, dirtiness, and the spread of diseases when they try to get water from non clean sources. This ugly situation has made the government and some cunning individuals to prey on the poor by building wells and monetizing the water that comes from these wells. Poor people can't get this water as they don't usually have enough money and this keeps them at a disadvantage to live a very healthy and cheerful life. The aim  of this project is to build a well that will supply free water to every person in this area regardless of their class, status, gender and religion. All the funds provided for this project will be used to build the well,  Everyone will benefit from it and I will make sure the enforcement of the availability of the well to all and sundry is ensured.

Budget

Well Digging: $50

Cement Rings: $120

Metal and cemented covering for the well : $50

Workmanship levy for the workers: $50

Signage bearing HGC name beside the well: $30

Total $300

(Suggested Revised Budget below - for $400)

Step-by-Step Process for $400 Well

Step 1 – Site Selection

  • Talk to local community leaders to choose the most accessible location where everyone can reach the well.

  • Check for underground water availability by consulting with experienced local well diggers.

  • Ensure the site is away from latrines, septic tanks, or garbage dumps to prevent contamination.

Step 2 – Mobilize Materials & Labor

  • Purchase cement rings locally ($120).

  • Buy metal sheet, hinges, and cement for the cover ($50).

  • Buy signboard materials for the HGC sign ($30).

  • Agree on payment terms with the well diggers ($50 workmanship levy).

  • Gather tools such as shovels, ropes, buckets, and safety gear.

Step 3 – Begin Digging the Well

  • Workers dig using manual tools (common in Chad for cost efficiency).

  • Soil is removed using buckets and ropes.

  • The diggers line the well with cement rings as they progress to prevent collapse.

  • Depth target: typically 8–15 meters in this region for a hand-dug well.

Step 4 – Install the Lining & Cover

  • Once the water table is reached, install remaining cement rings securely.

  • Pour cement around the base for durability.

  • Install the metal covering with a hinge to prevent accidents and contamination.

  • Optionally, add a padlock for night closure if security is a concern.

Step 5 – Water Safety & Testing

  • If possible, test water quality with a simple portable test kit (checks for bacteria, nitrates, etc.).

  • If water is not clean, consider adding chlorination or simple sand filtration.

Step 6 – Signage & Community Handover

  • Install the HGC signboard beside the well.

  • Hold a community meeting to explain:

    • The well is free for all.

    • Everyone must help maintain cleanliness.

    • Keep animals away from the well area.

Step 7 – Maintenance Plan (Ongoing)

  • Assign local caretakers to ensure:

    • The cover is closed after use.

    • Any repairs are reported quickly.

  • Create a small repair fund from voluntary community donations for future maintenance.

Report on $300 Well Project in N'Djamena, Chad

Date: June 7, 2023

Project Overview: The purpose of this progress report is to provide an update on the local well project initiated to provide accessible water for the people of N'Djamena, Chad. The project aims to improve the water supply and sanitation conditions, ensuring a sustainable source of clean water for the local community.

1. Well Construction: The construction of the local well began on February 15, 2023, and was completed on May 20, 2023. The well was designed to be deep enough to reach the groundwater table and to ensure a sufficient and continuous water supply for the community. The drilling process was executed by a skilled team of local workers and supervised by usman.

2. Water Quality Assessment: Following the completion of the well, a comprehensive water quality assessment was conducted to ensure the safety and potability of the water. Multiple samples were collected and analyzed for bacterial, chemical, and physical parameters at the government local water board for free.  I am pleased to report that the results indicate that the water meets the required standards for drinking and domestic use.

3. Community Engagement and Training: Throughout the project, community engagement and training programs were conducted to promote awareness and provide knowledge about water management, hygiene practices, and the maintenance of the well.

4. Impact and Benefits: The completion of the local well project in N'Djamena has already had a positive impact on the community. The availability of a reliable source of clean water has significantly improved the living conditions of the residents, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and ensuring better sanitation practices. Additionally, the project has empowered the local community by providing employment opportunities during the construction phase and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the well's maintenance.

Next Steps:

1. Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular monitoring of the well's performance and water quality will be conducted to ensure its proper functioning. A maintenance team has been established to address any issues promptly and to conduct preventive maintenance activities.

2. Expansion Plans: Considering the positive outcomes and growing demand, there are plans to explore the possibility of constructing additional wells in nearby communities, extending the benefits to a larger population.

Conclusion: The local well project in N'Djamena, Chad, has successfully achieved its primary objectives by providing a sustainable source of clean water to the community. The project has had a significant positive impact on the lives of the residents, improving their health and overall well-being. We remain committed to monitoring the well's performance and implementing further initiatives to enhance water access and sanitation in the region.

Thank you for your support and continued interest in this important endeavor.

Sincerely, Usman Abdu Abubakar

 $300 Water Well for the Maikunkele Safe House - Nigeria

by Saliu Olumide Saheed

This report outlines the effective utilization of the $300 funding provided for the Maikunkele Safe House in Minna, Nigeria, to address the critical water scarcity issue during the dry season. The funds were allocated to construct a local well, which now serves both the safe house and the surrounding community. The project was initiated in response to the severe water shortages experienced in the area, which disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including residents of the safe house. The well was strategically located to ensure accessibility for the safe house and neighboring households, providing a sustainable solution to a pressing need.

The construction of the well involved several key steps, including site assessment, drilling, and installation of a dome and cover. Local contractors were engaged to ensure cost-effectiveness and community involvement. The $300 funding covered the cost of materials, labor, and transportation, with the safe house management overseeing the project to ensure transparency and accountability. The well was completed within the projected timeline, and its water quality was tested to meet safety standards. This initiative has significantly reduced the burden of water collection, particularly for women and children, who previously had to travel long distances to access clean water.

Since its completion, the well has become a vital resource for the Maikunkele Safe House and the broader community. During the ongoing dry season, it has provided a reliable water source for drinking, cooking, and sanitation, improving living conditions and promoting hygiene. The safe house residents, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence, have expressed profound gratitude for the project, as it has alleviated one of their most significant daily challenges. Additionally, the well has fostered a sense of community solidarity, as it is shared with neighboring households, further extending its impact.

In conclusion, the $300 funding has been effectively utilized to address a critical need in the Maikunkele Safe House and its surrounding community. The successful completion of the well project underscores the importance of targeted interventions in improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations. This initiative serves as a model for future projects aimed at addressing resource scarcity in underserved areas. The safe house management extends its sincere appreciation to the donors for their support and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing community development initiatives.

Assignment: Write a 1-page essay that 1) describes the value of a well 2) generally indicates where wells might be needed, and what time of year they are most essential 3) name a specific place where you think a well would be valuable 4) discuss how the well could be maintained for public, not private usage.