Solar Drinking Water Stations for Rural Areas (Benin)

Benin

OPEC FUND provided grant to Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) to enhance access to safe drinking water for rural communities in Northeast Benin, specifically to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water to the population of the Kalalé Commune. The grant helped in installing 10 drinking water stations in the communities of Lou, Lou 2, Mareguinta, Gando-Baka, Djega 1, Boa Centre, Gberougbassi, Seregourou, Bouca Gando, and Dunkassa. The project is directly benefited approximately 13,000 people living in these area. In terms of water volume, surveys showed an average daily production of 10,583 liters per day per water station. The average number of people using each site is 1,300. The average amount of clean water utilized per person per day is 8.0 litters. The business model used to operate and sustain the pumping systems is based on public-private partnership developed by ADESCA (Association pour le Développement Economique, Social, Culturel, et pour l’Autopromotion). The average monthly income from the 10 stations is about $2,193 as of the end of May, 2019. The average monthly expenses for the same time period were $1,266 – yielding a net gain of $926 per month to be saved for long-term sustainability and perhaps the expansion to more wells.