On December 26, 2024, the Kouraba Progress Association (ADEK) celebrated the successful completion of a vital drinking water supply project in Kouraba, located in the Daralabé commune of labé prefecture, Central Guinea. The initiative, wich includes 22 drinking fountains, four animal water tanks, and a solar-powered borehole, aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents by providing reliable access to clean water. This project, funded through community contributions and support from financial partner VIVAQUA, is expected to significantly reduce water-borne diseases and alleviate the burden on women and girls who traditionally travel long distances for water. ADEK’s president, Mr. Mamadou Yaya Bah, emphasized the importance of community unity in achieving this milestone and called for ongoing collaboration to address future development challenges in Kouraba.
Q&A with Mr. Mamadou Yaya Bah, President of the Kouraba Progress Association (ADEK)
Time.news Editor: Mr. Bah, congratulations on the prosperous completion of the vital drinking water supply project in Kouraba. Could you share with us the main objectives of this initiative?
Mamadou Yaya Bah: Thank you! The primary objective of our water supply project was to ensure reliable access to clean drinking water for the residents of Kouraba. By installing 22 drinking fountains,four animal water tanks,and a solar-powered borehole,we aimed to substantially improve the quality of life in our community.This was particularly importent considering the health risks associated with contaminated water, which often leads to water-borne diseases.
Time.news Editor: That’s notable.How do you think this project will impact the local community, particularly in terms of health and daily life?
mamadou Yaya Bah: The impact will be profound. Firstly, having reliable access to clean water will drastically reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases, which have been a persistent challenge. Additionally, women and girls, who traditionally trek long distances to fetch water, will now have more time to pursue education and other activities.This project is not just about water; it’s about enhancing health,empowering individuals,and fostering community development.
Time.news Editor: This project was funded through community contributions and the support of VIVAQUA. How important is community involvement in projects like this?
Mamadou Yaya Bah: Community involvement is crucial. Our project’s success is a testament to what can be achieved when residents unite for a common goal. Community contributions foster ownership, making people more invested in maintaining the facilities. Ongoing collaboration will also be essential as we face future development challenges. We must continue to work together as a community to ensure enduring progress.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the collaboration with VIVAQUA. Can you elaborate on the role of external partners in such initiatives?
Mamadou Yaya Bah: External partners like VIVAQUA play a vital role by providing not just financial resources but also technical expertise. This collaboration enriches local projects with best practices from their experiences elsewhere, which can greatly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our initiatives. It’s a partnership model that we believe should be replicated in other regions.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to other communities looking to undertake similar water supply projects?
Mamadou Yaya Bah: My advice would be to first assess the needs of your community thoroughly. Engage local residents in planning and execution to ensure their specific needs are met. Secondly, don’t underestimate the power of small contributions—community buy-in is essential for sustainability.Lastly, seek partnerships with local NGOs and international organizations; they can provide valuable support both in funding and in know-how.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what are some challenges you anticipate for Kouraba, and how do you plan to address them?
mamadou Yaya Bah: One of the challenges we face is the ongoing maintenance of the water supply infrastructure. We’ll need to establish a local management committee to oversee this. Additionally, climate change poses a risk to our water resources. We plan to advocate for more sustainable practices and look into alternative water sources to manage this challenge. By staying proactive and collaborative, we can tackle these future hurdles.
time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr.Bah, for sharing these insights. The dedication of ADEK to improving the lives of Kouraba’s residents is commendable. We look forward to seeing how this project evolves and the positive changes it brings to the community.
Mamadou Yaya Bah: Thank you for your interest and support. I encourage everyone to recognize the importance of clean water in improving lives and to take inspiration from our project in Kouraba. Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities.