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  • The village of Teppe was the place where we reinforced our first two wells. This is a very barren land for almost 8 months of the year. A local saying is, "Water is life!" width:640;;height:480
  • A couple of the young ladies who get their water daily from the well we call "Seyni's well". The well is in the garden of Seyni, the village tailor. Although it is in his garden, it is shared by the community. width:360;;height:480
  • Here is how water is taken back from the well to home. Aren't you thankful for running water! width:360;;height:480
  • That's it, the second well that we reinforced with concrete rings. Notice that it is a bit of a mess. Leaving it for a couple years, allowed it to settle and the dirt around it to firm up. It is ready for a longlasting platform now. width:640;;height:480
  • More water carriers. Before this well came along, the closest water was a long walk away. width:640;;height:480
  • The well with a ring that would become a water trough. width:640;;height:480
  • Getting ready for the work. The construction site. width:640;;height:480
  • Everything is done by hand. The gravel was brought from a couple kilometers away by donkey cart. This is one of the contributions of the local population. width:640;;height:480
  • Getting ready to make the bricks. All done by hand with one little mold. width:360;;height:480
  • The work progresses. We insisted, because of the constant wetness of the area, that they make the bricks with more ciment in them than usual bricks in Niger. width:360;;height:480
  • Always some spectators waiting for the day when they will be able to help with the work. width:640;;height:480
  • A good foundation is poured and the wall begins. width:640;;height:480
  • Excitement! width:640;;height:480
  • Re-bar for the platform is well done and will soon be ready to be placed around the well. width:640;;height:480
  • Niger has a lot of good macons as very little construction is done with wood. If one can afford a permanent dwelling, it will be made of cinder blocks. width:360;;height:480
  • Compacting the gravel that will serve as base for the platform. width:360;;height:480
  • Rebar looks good! All that much better when the picture is taken from a tree. width:640;;height:480
  • Finishing touches on the platform. They put a bit of ciment powder on the top and smoothen it out so as to give a very smooth service that will provide for good drainage. width:640;;height:480
  • A channel is made that will take water out to the watering trough. width:640;;height:480
  • This is a whole lot better than serving the sheep from a pail one or two at a time. width:640;;height:480
  • Well, it's almost done! We will go back to put on a door to keep the animals out and a hinged lid that will keep it much safer. May this serve to provide water in a hygienic and safe way for years to come. width:640;;height:480
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