A major challenge of access to water in rural areas

In rural Guinea, access to drinking water remains a crucial issue, particularly in remote municipalities where infrastructure is still inadequate. In Timbi-Tounni, in the prefecture of Pita, the problem has been partly solved through an ambitious project that has improved living conditions for nearly 10,000 users.

Unlike many initiatives concentrated in urban areas, this project targets a rural area where needs are particularly great. It is led by HAMAP-Humanitaire in partnership with the Association pour le Developpement de Timbi-Tounni (ADTTF), with financial support from the Syndicat des Eaux d'Ile-de-France (SEDIF) and the collaboration of MTK Services, TCM and UGSPE.

An approach built on local governance

One of the distinctive features of the project is its horizontal approach, which places cooperation between actors and local governance at the heart of the work.

Key principles of this approach

  • Active involvement of local people at every stage
  • Solutions designed jointly with local actors
  • Strengthening local capacity
  • Autonomous and sustainable management of the facilities

This way of working encourages beneficiaries to take ownership of the project and helps make it last.

A starting point marked by limited access to water

Guinea faces a serious shortfall in water points, with worrying projections for 2030. In Timbi-Tounni the existing network, built in the 1990s, covered only a small share of needs.

Consequences for local people

  • Dependence on unsafe water sources
  • A great deal of time spent collecting water
  • An impact on schooling, particularly for girls
  • Fewer economic opportunities
  • Greater exposure to safety risks

A structuring project to improve access to water

Over the past three years a major project has been carried out to meet these needs.

Main achievements

  • 50 km of water network built
  • 270 households connected through private connections
  • Around twenty standpipes installed
  • Access to drinking water for some 10,000 users
  • A 160 m3 reservoir built
  • A solar-powered pumping system installed

The project represents a total investment of 500,000 euros, of which 300,000 euros funded by SEDIF.

Innovative and collaborative management

The success of the project also rests on solid tools and technical partnerships.

Tools and partners

  • Monitoring software developed by TCM for remote management of the network's indicators
  • Day-to-day operation handled locally by UGSPE
  • Technical support and team training by MTK Services

These arrangements allow effective monitoring and sustainable management of the facilities.

Strong mobilisation of local actors

ADTTF played a central part in mobilising local people and raising awareness of the project.

Activities carried out

  • Information campaigns
  • Residents involved in decisions
  • Spaces created for discussion of water management
  • A stronger sense of ownership

The association Villageois 2.0 also contributed to awareness and communication activities with users.

Training and community autonomy

Technical training was delivered to strengthen local skills.

Objectives of the training

  • Maintaining the network
  • Enabling day-to-day management of the facilities
  • Reducing dependence on outside intervention
  • Guaranteeing sustainable operation of the system

A lasting and repeatable model

This project illustrates the effectiveness of an approach based on:

  • joint design
  • community involvement
  • strengthening local capacity
  • adapting to conditions on the ground

By fostering autonomy and participation, it helps create lasting solutions better suited to local contexts.

A model for the future

The experience of Timbi-Tounni shows that it is possible to bring concrete and lasting answers to the challenges of access to water in rural areas. This approach could inspire other initiatives in Guinea and beyond, by placing cooperation, training and local ownership at the heart of projects.

To continue and expand this work, HAMAP-Humanitaire remains committed alongside vulnerable communities, with the aim of supporting sustainable projects accessible to all.