Mai 2011
Dear donators, dear friends
Despite lots of commotion and unrest in the neighbouring countries, the political situation is quite calm. At the beginning of April, Mahamadou Issoufou won with 58% the election for President. Birgi Rafini, a Tuareg from the north has gained the post of Prime Minister – which gives reason to hope for an improvement of the general situation for the people of the north.
Three days ago Mouhamed returned from Niger – taking with him the latest news and pictures of our projects. For him Switzerland felt rather cold, since in the Sahara there are currently temperatures of 45°C….
We are very proud of our success! In the last half year we realised many projects together with the help of the local Tuareg. To give you a report about each single project would simply go beyond the scope of our News. We therefore will only inform you about the most important projects.
Well „Tilalt“ in the Azawagh Area
Due to excessive use, the walls of the well with its 68 meters of depth started to give way and the wooden edge nearly broke.
33 concrete rings had been fitted to support the well. Thanks to the elevated construction the clean drinking water is now protected from sand and other contamination.
Well „Aghali“ in the Azawagh Area
In August 2009 we reconstructed part of this well and saved it from collapsing thanks to our fast and efficient support.
In addition we had constructed a suitable well top and had supported the well by fixing further eleven concrete rings.
Well „Gougaram“ in the Talak Area
It was the first well that was constructed fifty years ago in the Nomad settlement in Gougaram. Since then it has provided the local population with clean drinking water. Even during the hottest summer months there is always sufficient water flowing and thus secures the survival of approximately 750 Tuareg Nomads and their animals.
The strongly used well hat to be plastered anew. At the same time cracks in the well were repaired and the area around the well was renewed with concrete.
Well „Gougaram 2“ in the Talak Area
Firstly, the broken well had to be released from proliferating bushes and climbers. It showed the typical washouts. Also the remaining concrete rings had to be adjusted and the surrounding area had to be levelled out. Finally, the top of the well was elevated and reinforced with iron and concrete.
The pulling tool will be mounted on the right as well as on the left, as soon as the local Tuareg will have found a suitably forked wooden branch.
The construction crew will enjoy the well-deserved weeks with their families until they are going to resume their work in October.
Donkey Cart donated by Susi Dubach
Last autumn already the donkey cart was ordered. However, during the winter months the Nomads were further away and this useful cart stayed – for lack of suitable transport – in Agadez.
Coloured in a friendly shade of purple it now beams as much as the women of the Talak area who received this present, which for them means a most welcome help to tackle their daily grind.
Women Project „Tellit“ and „Toudou“
With their modest profit the Tuareg women had organized the purchase of new leaves of dum palms. The delivery arrived safely at the same time as the cement and will be shared among the women involved.
This work has become an important part of the Tuareg women’s lives. Motivation and disciplin are very good among them.
A big THANK YOU from all Tuareg families to all those loyal donators!
Only with your support we were able to realize all those projects.