Mali Water Pump Project

Before heading to the village, we went to Air France so Sam and Jason could get early check-in. We were eager to get to the village because the drilling would be finished this afternoon. When we arrived at the village they had already drilled to 58 meters. At 52 meters, a small water pocket was hit and because the rock they were drilling through at that point was fractured granite, we were very hopeful to hit a bigger source of water, one large enough to sustain a water pump. However, after the water pocket the rock formation changed back to hard rock. We drilled down to 81.5 meters and there was still no change. The experts said it was hopeless to continue drilling based on the change in rock formation. Everyone, including the drilling team and the villagers, was sad to hear the news.
However, not all hope is lost! There is a possibility that the well will develop with time. In two weeks, the head of the drilling company in Bamako will go to Gwelekoro to administer a pump test. During this test the flow rate is calculated and if it is sufficient (approximately 20-40 liters/minute) then the pump will be installed. If not, they will fill the well and drill in another spot – our third try this year, fourth try overall. Unfortunately, if they hit water, none of us will be there to see it.
The entire team has left except for me, now. Tomorrow I will be going to Abel’s wedding. Abel helped us coordinate the surveying and drilling in Mali while we were in the States. It should be very interesting to attend an African wedding!