The construction of the two drinking water supply networks in the commune of Ambohimahavelona and the Fokontany of Ambiky, in south-west Madagascar, was completed in June 2016, to the great delight of the 3,693 people living in these localities.
Previously people drew their water mainly from traditional water points, where the water was polluted by human and animal activity and where waterborne diseases were widespread. They now have access to drinking water every day, at an acceptable cost, which allows the networks to be properly managed and maintained.
To celebrate the commissioning of these new facilities, an inauguration day was held on 1st July. For the occasion, three members of HAMAP-Humanitaire travelled out: Ms Estelle Mariette, project officer, Mr Bernard Poncelet, head of engineering, and Mr Hery Lanto Rakotoarisoa, representative in Madagascar.
This important ceremony, which brought together everyone from the two localities, was highly festive and followed local custom.
It began with speeches by the Mayor of Ambohimahavelona, HAMAP-Humanitaire, the Regional Water Director, the Secretary General to the head of the Region and the District Chief. These contributions alternated with displays of dance, music and poetry readings by the children and young people of the villages.
My first words are thank you God
For sending us parents and authorities
So « hello and welcome to Ambohimahavelona
God has blessed us, for we are all fit and in good health
Thank you HAMAP-Humanitaire for taking care of us
And the funders and TAMAFA, for so long now
For giving us latrines and drinking water
Drinking it is refreshing and good for our children's health
There are also latrines built to standard
Built for us, quite astonishing
A brand new, bewildering thing
When we go in, we tiptoe, a little shy
To you, pupils and teachers
When you go, don't forget the paper to wipe yourselves
We really are a « wash family » school
We know how to look after it and use the handwashing station
The traditional « ribbon cutting » then took place at a reservoir and a standpipe in each village, where the authorities and the project's backers toasted the success of the work before drinking the water now available at the standpipes.
At the end of the festivities, everyone involved in the project gathered for a cocktail and was able to talk about this fine experience.
This project was carried out in partnership with the local association Tafita Soa and benefited from the technical assistance of the association Experts Solidaires.
This project had the support of our partners:
– Rhin-Meuse water agency
– Metropole de Lyon
– Eau du Grand Lyon
– David Hadida corporate foundation
– Artois agglomeration community
– Friends of HAMAP in the Yvelines
– PhotoMenton
