You are hereWhat We’re Doing – Right Now! / Soak Pits Project - Mali
Soak Pits Project - Mali
The project is to construct 475 soak pits. A soak pit is a method of removing ground water by draining it down into the earth.
The funds provided by Water Charity are being used to purchase piping, cement, and plastic tarping needed to complete the pits. The project is being directed by Peace Corps Volunteer Jennifer O’Keeffe.
The construction of the soak pits will serve as both an opportunity to teach the specific methodology, and also as a focus to teach other clean water practices.
A soak pit is one way to reduce wastewater by sending it underground, purifying it, and ultimately into the water table. It is a large hole filled with rocks, with a pipe leading into it. The hole is covered with plastic and dirt, so that only wastewater entering the pipe can enter the hole.
Soak pits can last for years, resulting in such long-term benefits as a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing environment, a reduction of mosquito breeding grounds and decreased risks of malaria.
In preparation for the project, an assigned leader form the community, together with the volunteer O’Keeffe, visited every traditional latrine in the village to assess the need for soak pits, resulting in the list of soak pits to be built.
The community is providing all the labor in constructing the soak pits. They will also supply the sandstone which fills the pits to filter and absorb the unclean water. In addition, they are assisting in the purchasing and transporting materials.
There is extensive community participation, both in the planning and implementation. There will be little need for maintenance, and the effects will be long lasting. The village is providing materials, labor, and transportation, ensuring continued commitment and resulting in sustainability.
This project gives immediate relief from a major problem confronting the village, that of the spread of disease through standing water. In addition, it provides training and teaching opportunities.
The Water Charity involvement as the majority participant in this project has been funded, through the generosity of Six Senses Resorts & Spas as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
Any additional donations using the Donate button below will be used to fund other projects by this PCV and/or other PCVs in the host country.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.
This summer the Peace Corps community has an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary effort to improve our communities through volunteer service.
President Obama’s summer service initiative, United We Serve, is a call to all Americans to join a volunteer effort this summer and be part of building a new foundation for America, one community at a time. Please visit the 
