The Source of Our Water

by Amy Gaspar, Dogbo Ahome, Benin

The source of my water is the local waterworks system, known as SBEE. The water is clean, and I have yet to have a problem with availability. Water is easy to find today in Benin. There have been many projects to install water pumps, even in the smallest villages. These pumps provide clean water suitable for all daily needs. Most people still do not have household plumbing, but those who do sell water to their neighbors in a basin or a bucket. I myself do not have running water in my house, but my next door neighbor sells SBEE water. I have arranged with her to take as many buckets as I need and pay a set fee at the end of each month. I carry my bucket back to my house on my head like all the other women in my neighborhood. Luckily my neighbor's house is only 25 yards away.

People still collect water in wells and cisterns during the rainy season, so they will have enough water throughout the dry season if something should happen to the local (SBEE) water provider.