Togo : A solar-based technical feat to open access to drinking water to 2,000 rural people

Solar-powered pumping in geologically and geographically challenging sites

Picture caption: Rural people drawing water from a standpipe, lately installed by ECM as part of the BORNEFONDEN project in the Région des Plateaux, similar to those which are going to be installed in the context of the current project (photo credit: ECM).

The Togolese Ministry for Water, Rural Equipment and Village Water Systems announced that it has awarded a solar-powered water supply and installation contract to the joint-venture composed of the companies VERGNET HYDRO and ECM (Lomé, Togo), aiming at providing more than 2,000 rural people from the Région des Savanes (Northern Togo) with drinking water. “The geological and geographical features of these 5 sites are challenging. Bringing drinking water to these populations, relying on solar energy, is the opportunity to demonstrate the full extent of the technical know-how of our two companies“, says Thierry BARBOTTE, Managing Director for VERGNET HYDRO.

The project consists of installing solar-powered drinking water supply systems in the villages of Nadiégou, Polougou (Tône Prefecture), Kankangbane (2 sites, including one school) and Djalière (Tandjoaré Prefecture), on particularly steep areas. “The boreholes are very deep. The pumps will be installed at the depth of between 165 and 220 meters…“, specifies Joël MENAGER, Bids and Projects Officer for VERGNET HYDRO.

To reduce the geographical marginalization in these villages

This project also has an important social dimension. Future users of these facilities today have limited access to the hydraulic equipment of their own villages, due to their geographical isolation. “The introduction of the new equipment significantly reduces the geographical marginalization in these villages while relieving the many challenges they are facing,” states Dominique GUNN, Sales Manager for ECM.

With a budget of 194 million CFA francs (€295,600), this contract falls within the framework of the PROJECT TO IMPROVE HEALTH CONDITIONS IN SCHOOL AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS IN THE SAVANES REGION (PASSCO) led and funded by the FRENCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (AFD). “All the equipment will be installed and functional in September 2019”, concludes Gwenolé LE LAGADEC, Business Manager for VERGNET HYDRO.