By Markus Faigle | Volunteer Project Director
Sometimes the success of our participatory community development approach is best illustrated with a project we (Zahana) don’t do. Metal fences now surround all seven of Fiadanana’s communal water faucets for over 2 years. Built with a solid concrete foundation, the metal fences are holding up well.
All of the seven metal fences were built and paid for by the community of Fiadanana, because they saw a need for it, without asking Zahana for a financial contribution. This is a prime example of a community taking ownership of and responsibility for their own resources.
Some history: In 2006, the community built their communal water system with seven communal water faucets (see website) with support from Zahana. Back in 2006 we thought (see photos) communal water faucets could become a green oasis in the village, beautifying everything through colorful flowers and greenery, easily watered by the runoff.
Little did we know that the cows had no appreciation for esthetics, but a great hunger for juicy fresh green ‘stuff’. To keep the cattle out, the community decided to use concrete and metal, keeping their seven communal water sources safe for years to come.
Ihanta, Jeannette and Markus
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