People using the new water point installed by Plan as part of PEPAR

April 2010: In Benin the mortality rate for children under 5 is one of the world’s highest, and diarrhoea kills many. But in the area of Koudanouakou, waterborne illnesses are decreasing, and local cuisine is tastier, thanks to a new water point that Plan has helped to install.

Situated in the commune of Boukombé, in the north-west of Benin, Koudanouakou covers around 20 sq km and counts a population of 178. It has benefited from a water well fitted with a man-powered pump, constructed by Plan and partners as part of the PEPAR project – an EU financed initiative to help improve access to drinking water in Africa.

Reduction in illnesses

During one of Plan’s evaluation sessions in the area, 2 very happy women, Madeleine and Philomène, told us that the construction of the water point had changed their lives. Before PEPAR, water was collected from the river Koumagou, but it wasn’t safe to drink. Since they have had access to drinking water, people from Koudanouakou are seeing the benefits of using it.

The 2 women have noticed a real reduction in waterborne illnesses. They told Plan that they don't visit health centres for stomach problems and diarrhoea as often as they did before, which helps them to save money for other needs that their families might have. They can also dedicate more time to their money-making activities now that they spend less time getting water. 

Culinary improvements

Madeleine said: “Our staple food, a dough made from maize, millet or fonio (a type of grain), has improved. It used to have a very runny texture, a bland taste, and be difficult to preserve. It got better when we started using the drinking water to prepare it. Now it’s denser, more tender and easier to preserve. We didn’t know that maize dough was supposed to be white; we discovered that with the drinking water.”

Philomène added: “Our local beer, ‘tchouk’, has improved too. We use the water for the whole process now: from the germination of the millet, to the fermentation of the precious brew that comes from cooking. The beer is lighter and tastier, it has a clearer brown colour just like the millet that goes into it, and a better smell.” Selling tchouk is an income opportunity for many women.

Tackling childhood illnesses and building healthy environments are 2 of Plan Benin's 7 strategic goals. 

Learn about Plan Benin’s strategy

Find out more about the PEPAR project via the EU Water Facility website