This project takes place in conjunction with local partner, JIGI, in Nafadji, the sprawling slum area around the perimeter of Mali’s capital city, Bamako. Unplanned development means that poor communities living in this area have little or no infrastructure. In 2003 it was estimated that 10,000 were living in this area, and less than 50% had access to safe water, under 15% had access to sanitation and the school was completely lacking in water and sanitation facilities.

supply standpipes, household latrines, household compost pits and a school sanitation block

one phase

There is difficulty getting populations to use soap because of the cost in the region. Therefore, possibilities of training local women in soap manufacturing will be explored.

One initiative incorporated into this project is to encourage women to use covered buckets to fetch water. This improves the quality of drinking water and reduces disease by reducing the possibility of contamination of water whilst being transported from the water source to the home. A covered carrying vessel is not only an important part of the water supply chain, but it also means less water is spilt on the journey. A revolving credit scheme will be used to help poor women get access to appropriate buckets.