A regular well is a water system that pumps water from the underground water table. The regular wells uses a motorized engine which runs off of gasoline. The motor pumps water through large water hoses that people use to fill up jerry cans with to water consumption.

A handpump does not have an engine and uses the power of a pump (using your hand) to produce water. They are a means to extend the water from the water well into communities that are farther away from the well, to extend the reach.

For both types of wells they all have pipelines that irrigate nearby farmland to ensure farmers in the area can grow crops to help families survive during the ongoing conflict. 

They are big enough to provide water and irrigation to 300 families and a few acres of nearby farmland.

It takes a few weeks to build. We ensure we do a site assessment first. To ensure families will not flee the area and to ensure it is safe. Once we do so, we procure the supplies and equipment and begin building the water wells.

For elders and young people, there are community focal persons that help coordinate the distribution of water. So jerry cans and large water tanks are filled for those who cannot come to the wells to collect the water themselves.

No. When a well/handpump is created, it is handed over to the community and the local organization, our partner, who works with them. They take responsibility for upkeep and maintenance. While there is very little maintenance required, this is done by our partners in Niger, and local village initiatives.

No. Since our wells are used by the community and not only one person,  we cannot transfer complete “ownership” of the well to one person, and cannot guarantee that they are used only by Muslims. Therefore, we cannot qualify them as zakat-eligible.