This week we received great news: The water in the Kalo well we helped to plan and fund is now clean and can be accessed by all members of the surrounding villages. The following is a timeline of events leading to the well's completion. Later this week, we'll share some reflections on the process. Enjoy!
September 2009 - Africa Water and Life formed an informal partnership with Water is Life International to explore water projects in Arsi Oromo villages near Shashemene, Ethiopia
December 2009 - Water is Life International and Selam Awassa Water Drilling Works and Sanitation determines 'water table' is deep enough to require a deep-well drilling rig and electrical submersible pump.
January 2009 - Africa Water and Life agrees to help raise funds with Water is Life International to purchase deep-will drilling rig (Total Cost : $250,000).
June 2010 - Deep-well drilling rig is funded thanks to several very generous individual donors, Water is Life International, and Africa Water and Life.
August 2010 - Permit process for well-drilling is initiated. Pastor Lako Bedasso, a leader in the Full Gospel denomination agrees to 'sponsor' the well project and secure permitting from the local government on behalf of Kalo village.
October 2010 - Rig is delivered to Selam Awassa after several weeks of being held in Customs for unclear reasons.
November 30, 2010 - Drilling begins in Kalo village.
March 2011 - Electrical work is completed by government agency in the Kalo village.
April 28, 2011 - Well distribution points are completed. Team from U.S. visits Kalo to celebrate the well's 'completion' Village leaders are confused that some time may be required for sediment to flush its way out of the well.
May 2011 - Lightning storm (?) shorts and destroys electrical transformer, cutting off access to the Kalo well.
August 2011 - AWL team members visit Shashamene for strategy trip, meeting with local Electricity agency. Regional manager is unsure when the transformer will be replaced.
September 2011 - AWL team members and Ethiopian partners visit Federal Electrical agency, receive assurance Transformer will be delivered.
October 2011 - Transformer is replaced. Testing for sediment and bacteria content (Physio-chemical analysis) in water begins.
February 22, 2012 - After 3 official tests, water is fit for drinking. Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! (Report must be delivered to local water board and village leadership council)
We are currently waiting for the first pictures and stories of the well use in Kalo village.
September 2009 - Africa Water and Life formed an informal partnership with Water is Life International to explore water projects in Arsi Oromo villages near Shashemene, Ethiopia
December 2009 - Water is Life International and Selam Awassa Water Drilling Works and Sanitation determines 'water table' is deep enough to require a deep-well drilling rig and electrical submersible pump.
January 2009 - Africa Water and Life agrees to help raise funds with Water is Life International to purchase deep-will drilling rig (Total Cost : $250,000).
June 2010 - Deep-well drilling rig is funded thanks to several very generous individual donors, Water is Life International, and Africa Water and Life.
August 2010 - Permit process for well-drilling is initiated. Pastor Lako Bedasso, a leader in the Full Gospel denomination agrees to 'sponsor' the well project and secure permitting from the local government on behalf of Kalo village.
October 2010 - Rig is delivered to Selam Awassa after several weeks of being held in Customs for unclear reasons.
November 30, 2010 - Drilling begins in Kalo village.
March 2011 - Electrical work is completed by government agency in the Kalo village.
April 28, 2011 - Well distribution points are completed. Team from U.S. visits Kalo to celebrate the well's 'completion' Village leaders are confused that some time may be required for sediment to flush its way out of the well.
May 2011 - Lightning storm (?) shorts and destroys electrical transformer, cutting off access to the Kalo well.
August 2011 - AWL team members visit Shashamene for strategy trip, meeting with local Electricity agency. Regional manager is unsure when the transformer will be replaced.
September 2011 - AWL team members and Ethiopian partners visit Federal Electrical agency, receive assurance Transformer will be delivered.
October 2011 - Transformer is replaced. Testing for sediment and bacteria content (Physio-chemical analysis) in water begins.
February 22, 2012 - After 3 official tests, water is fit for drinking. Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!!! (Report must be delivered to local water board and village leadership council)
We are currently waiting for the first pictures and stories of the well use in Kalo village.
