Semana's expanding access to clean water
Semana is a remote village located approximately 80 kilometers south of the capital city, Bamako, with a population of around 4,300 residents. For years, villagers faced significant challenges in accessing safe drinking water. The nearest well was a 15-minute walk away, requiring the use of a bucket and rope to retrieve water from depths of 30 to 70 feet. Tragically, many adults and children suffered injuries or even lost their lives in accidents related to this dangerous process, while the water itself was contaminated with Coliform bacteria.
To address these urgent issues, the Mali Wellness Foundation drilled a 220-foot deep well that remains functional even during the dry summer months. The depth of the well effectively reduces the risk of contamination, and the newly designed filtration system ensures that the village has access to pure, potable water. This well has the capacity to produce up to 10,800 liters of water per hour, significantly decreasing the risk of waterborne illnesses among children and improving overall community health.
In addition to providing clean water, the Foundation trained villagers to maintain the new water system and replace filters as needed. Local members of the Mali Wellness Foundation are also equipped to conduct regular water quality tests, ensuring that the community can rely on this vital resource for years to come.
