Since the launch of SAHEL Design in 2012 we have been dreaming of installing water pumps in the villages of the artisans. Last week, thanks to Friends In Action and the help of some willing friends, this dream became a reality.
The first village was where Ussman, the cotton weaver and his family live – this is where most of our home accessories come from. The team arrived late in the day and it was dark by the time they started drilling. At 2.30am they hit water – not just a trickle but 1200 gallons an hour which is enough water for four hand pumps! This will be a very good source of water and the villagers, and Ussman of course were delighted.
Drilling in the second village, where the reins makers live, was also successful . The rate of water was about 250 gallons an hour which is just enough to make a pump viable. The drilling coincided with the first dust, rain and hail storm of the season through which the team kept working. We have put together a short video of the drilling so you can see the drama in both villages unfold.
We would like to thank Friends In Action for supporting SAHEL Design by doing this, and also our supporters in Lavant Church, and our customers, in particular MDP Events in Paris.