Since February 2007 there is civil war going on in the North of Niger. Like always in case of violent conflicts it is the civilians suffering most. Daily life of the Touareg families has become dominated by fear. Being forced to withdraw in areas less involved by the military they have access to very few working wells only.

 

The Touareg Nomads are depending now on the precious water of Eschik Nischisch, a well which is situated beyond the military zone. Mid of February we started with the reconstruction of the well of Eschik Nischisch. The political situation in the Talak area was stable enough to take the risk. So we could go for the project in spite of the recent troubles.

 

The concrete of this old draw well was full of wholes and had become crumbly by the constant abrasion of the ropes. Strong rainfalls and bad construction had made sink the ground around the well about
30 cm. In short: the well was in a miserable state.

At first step pieces of stone and rock were transported to the well to fill the basin. The terrain was levelled and flattened by picks, scoops and spades. Everyone helped at his possibilities: the Touareg women catered the food for the workers and the children kept the thirsty goats and sheep away from the well.

Armouring irons were installed and made stretch like a spiderweb around the well. At the same time the edge of the well was raised up to 60 cm. In addition two long forks of a branch were embedded as a pull up water gadget.
After eleven days of being in a sweat all the work was done and the well of Eschik Nischisch was ready for camels, goats and donkeys to slake their thirst!

“We feel relieved”, as an old Targui said, “finally we have access to a properly working water source out of the conflict area”.