The project “Urgence Benin” (“Emergency – Benin”) relates to solidarity. It is about access to essential supplies for the area of the agglomeration of Togbota, located in the valley of the Ouémé River. Within a 5 years frame, the project wants to reach several objectives in the fields of access to drinking water, health, education, and economic development. As the valley of the Ouémé River is an unique area from the point of view of the flora and the fauna, as well a from the point of view of the ways of life of its inhabitants, actions taken within the project “Urgence Benin” are done with respect for the protection of natural area.

This project has been budgeted to 188 000 Euros. A preliminary study has been completed during the summer of 2007, followed by a phase of works, which will be completed by the spring of 2009. The first months of drilling were unsuccessful In January 2008, a first drilling was performed to a depth of 300m, without reaching the water table. Water was finally found in April, as a second drilling reached a depth of 60m. The system consists of a drill with a mechanized pumping system added, linked to a reservoir in a water tower, and to a distribution network. The water will flow to its destination via underground pipes and will be distributed to watering places, fountains, and individual connections. The water will be pushed into the water tower by a pump activated by a generating set. The reservoir will be dimensioned in function of the number of inhabitants and their average needs for drinking water. The tap will be located at least one meter above the ground, to prevent contamination during floods. The water tower is build be on the riverbank.

• Invitation to tender sent in May 2008
• Selection of the supplyier in July 2008
• Construction works from November 2008 through April 2009
  
  
  
  
  

At the site, a project leader from Urgence Benin initialized the project and takes care of the its operations during the work phase, following the partners on this project – inhabitants, government water agency, ant the NGO financing the program.

Urgence Benin help also the Togbota in different ways:

• Create and lead a health program. We manage directly a dispensary to provide assistance and cares to the people.
• Assist women groups to develop economic activities
• Encourage young girls to go to school and have a specific action toward the families
• Survey the environment and protect the animals (specifically the monkey zinkaka) and the big trees.