China-aided rural water project transforms Togo villages

"The moment I saw the clean water gush out, I was overwhelmed," said Sankah Yaovi, the 70-year-old chief of Donwe Village in Togo's Plateaux Region, recalling the day the new well began producing water.

LOME, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- "The moment I saw the clean water gush out, I was overwhelmed," said Sankah Yaovi, the 70-year-old chief of Donwe Village in Togo's Plateaux Region, recalling the day the new well began producing water.

"In the past, villagers had to walk a long way to fetch water, and the river water was often polluted by livestock. Now, our hardship is finally over," he said. "This spring has changed the life of our entire village."

The well was drilled by a China-aided rural water project team in Togo. "We found stable groundwater at a depth of 70 meters, a success for the entire region," said Togolese technician Kassegne Yao, who participated in the construction.

The story of Donwe Village stands as a vivid example of how "turbid water turns clear" across the Plateaux Region in the West African country.

Although the area receives ample rainfall during the wet season, its water storage capacity remains limited. The dry season is long and severe, with groundwater unevenly distributed and found at considerable depths.

Many residents used to fetch water directly from rivers or hand-dug pits, where the water was muddy and mosquito-infested. The scarcity of clean water and the difficulty of access had long troubled local communities.

In November 2024, Jiangxi Zhongmei Engineering Construction Company officially broke ground on the rural water project in Togo, marking a major step in implementing the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The project aims to drill 300 wells and install 300 hand pumps across the Plateaux Region, which will significantly improve rural drinking water conditions and enhance public health once completed.

According to project manager Huang Xianzhou, 230 boreholes have been completed so far, 113 of which have already been handed over to local communities for use.

"Now people can fetch clean water right at their doorstep, no more long treks. That is a real change," said Yoma Kpatcha, chief of Nimini Kope Village.

"This project has truly changed our lives. We thank the construction team for overcoming rugged terrain and bringing clean water to us," said Djangani Djadja, chief of Fodjouye Village.

Huang said that the Plateaux Region's complex terrain and variable geology make drilling extremely challenging. "Groundwater is mostly found in rock fissures at depths exceeding 60 meters. The hot climate, poor transportation and prevalence of diseases add to the difficulty," he said.

To improve efficiency, the Chinese technical team adopted a combination of natural field detection and electrical sounding techniques, greatly increasing the success rate of drilling.

"The project meets the urgent needs of local people and is of great significance," said Maganawe Djadja, prefect of the Plateaux Region. "The Chinese team's dedication and close coordination with local authorities are truly admirable."

Beyond providing clean water, the project also focuses on training local technicians.

"I joined the Chinese company because of this project, and I have learned a lot over the past year," said Yao, the Togolese technician. "Chinese experts taught us hands-on, from locating wells to drilling, from handling accidents to vehicle maintenance. We learned by doing, and now we can drill independently."

Today, Yao has become a key member of the project team. "I am grateful to the Chinese experts for their patient guidance. This job has given me real skills and the ability to bring clean water to my hometown," he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Togo Wang Min said the project represents concrete action by China to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

"It is not only a livelihood project that benefits local people but also a symbol of China-Togo friendship," Wang said.  ■