Well Tajajaratt

In Memory of Gritli Diem


Autumn last year long and heavy rainstorms created severe floods in many parts of Agadez.

Numerous wells were therefore filled with boulders, mud and garbage or even completely destroyed.

Our response was immediate. In December 2009 we started with the first excavation of a well to assure clean drinking water for the affected families living in the area.

The digging went on properly and at a level of 29 meters we reached the ground-water table. Works at this level are dangerous and had to be carried out at highest prudence.

Since the chamber was so narrow we had to back up with ropes. The lack of space down there only allowed scooping with buckets. But after all we went on merging the concrete to fix the first armoring on the well’s ground.

Sweat flowed like water by temperatures up to 40 °C and while the team was engaged without a rest.

It was a most delicate and exhausting assignment they had to cope with and they were only satisfied after the first four coils had been placed correctly.

Before the next coil could be brought into position, the concrete had to dry up for a day.

Since the area lives on agriculture, the well is also meant for irrigation of the recently established gardens.

After three months when the last armoring had been installed, everybody was relieved that the well of Tajajaratt could have been finished without any serious problem.

Without exception everyone fulfilled an excellent performance. Thanks to the knowledge and dedication of the men in charge we were able to finish this project successfully.

Total costs of the well’s construction were Sfr. 8035.--