Appropriate water supply scheme for some communities in the West Coast of Benin
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Date
2001-12-13
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Abstract
Studies were conducted to recommend the appropriate water supply scheme for some communities in the west coast of Benin.
Fifteen villages were assessed. The study sought information on the various sources used for domestic water supply, the water-borne diseases that affect the population and the different water technologies that can be used to supply people with potable water. Information was obtained through literature review, questionnaire, interviews and field observations studies.
The various sources of water supply in the study area were identified. These are shallow wells, rainwater storage tanks, ponds and some few standpipes.
The results of water sample analyses revealed that water from the wells are contaminated with faecal coliforms, some with nitrate and chloride especially during dry season
Also 10% of the population suffered from water-borne diseases (bacillary dysentery, diarrhoeal diseases, other gastro-intestinal infections, skin and eye infections).
The seawater freshwater interface is situated in the continent; therefore drilling borehole rarely ensures potable water due to the risk of seawater intrusion or it may require sophisticated equipments that will not be cost effective for small communities. The coastal lagoon and the lake Aheme, because of the pollution level require at least a conventional treatment; it is not also cost effective for small communities. Rainfall harvesting is not suitable for the project area because houses have thatched roofs and the high water demand from tourist activity that is developing are the constraints. The only alternative appropriate for now is to extend SBEE (Benin Electricity and Water Company) distribution networks from Ouidah.
The design of the distribution network shows that the capital cost of installing the network is $316866 with a per capita cost of $ 27.4.
Description
A thesis submitted to The Board of Postgraduate Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in Partial Fulfilment of the requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 2001