In Goundam, a water point is transforming the daily lives of displaced families

For several years now, successive crises and floods have forced many families to leave their homes and seek refuge in Goundam. Among them is Aïssata, a displaced mother, who tries every day to rebuild her life despite the many difficulties.

When she first arrived at the site, every morning began with a walk of several kilometers and long hours of waiting just to bring back a few jerrycans of water for her family.

Today, through the project ‘Strengthening the resilience of flood victims through disaster risk reduction, income-generating activities and market gardening’, funded by World Vision Taiwan, a modern water point has been built at the Goundam displaced persons’ site.

Aïssata recalls: “Before, I used to leave home very early and could spend several hours fetching water. Now, the water is close by. I can spend more time with my family and on my market gardening.”

Access to water has also enabled the development of income-generating activities. On the market garden, 294 displaced women now grow onions, tomatoes, lettuce and okra. The harvests help to feed their families, whilst any surplus is sold at the market in Goundam.

For Fatoumata, this opportunity means much more than just a garden.It is helping her strengthen her household's resilience and create new opportunities for the future.

“When we arrived here, we had lost everything. Now, thanks to market gardening, I can buy school supplies for my children and contribute to the household expenses. I feel useful and independent.”

Beyond displaced families, this water point has now become an essential resource for the whole of the Goundam community, particularly during times of scarcity.

“During periods of water scarcity, this water point has become a real lifeline for several neighbourhoods. It helps not only those living in the displacement camp, but the whole community” explains Hamadoun Diaouré, mayor of the municipality of Goundam.