Rehabilitation of 1,000 boreholes

In order to make an effective contribution to achieving MDG 6, the project aims to repair, rehabilitate, restore to working order and modernize 1,000 water points currently equipped with PMH (village hydraulics - localities with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants). With a national average of 625 inhabitants currently served by water points, the project's target population can be estimated at 625,000 people, or over 2% of Côte d'Ivoire's estimated population of 26 million.

The second major objective of the project is to set up a water point management system that will guarantee the sustainability and longevity of the project on a clear and balanced basis. To this end, ONEP and the Ministry of Hydraulics are currently considering the option of a paying service (around 500 FCFA/m3) and management through public-private partnership contracts entrusted to specialized operators, in order to achieve this objective, which is essential to the success of the project.

Vergnet Hydro's program to rehabilitate and modernize 1,000 water supply points with hybrid solar PMHs and management systems is designed to meet the need for improved access to drinking water in rural areas (continuity of service, quality drinking water supplied without manual pumping during solar pump operating hours). This program meets the Ivorian government's objective of improving access to water for the rural population.

BRL Ingénierie's action breaks down into 4 missions or objectives:

Objective 1: Technical assistance

1.1 Participation in preparatory actions for the project: selection of 1000 water points, inventory of the resource, validation of studies and technical specifications for equipment proposed by the company, validation of procedures for environmental and social impact studies, analysis and proposals on consultation frameworks to be set up in beneficiary localities, transition and exit strategy for the project.

Objective 2: Financial and contractual engineering

2.1 Analysis of the legal, institutional and tariff framework of the water and sanitation sector in Côte d'Ivoire, with a particular focus on rural water supply, including an exhaustive review of the country's experience with public-private partnerships.

2.2 Proposals and recommendations on the various management methods that can be envisaged, based on the presentation of best practices and successful experiences in Côte d'Ivoire and in similar environments (in Africa and worldwide); roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved in management (MH, ONEP, operator, fountain operator, community or village, health authorities, etc.); measures for maximizing project results.

2.3 DSP contract: financial projections, geographical scope, pricing and contractual proposals (duration, relevant and realistic indicators, obligations, remuneration, compensation, etc.) to set up fair and balanced contracts that meet the expectations of all stakeholders.

Objective 3: Engineering and M.O.

3.1 Supervision of works: monitoring of supplies, planning, site visits and meetings, validation of the choice of water points selected for the works according to previously defined criteria, progress of works, analysis and validation of works situations, implementation of on-site support measures, preparation for the warranty period.

Objective 4: Coordination, monitoring and evaluation:

1.1 Participation in project monitoring (or steering) committee meetings (monthly and/or quarterly).

1.2 Project and results assessment reports (population served, consumption in the first few months, risk mitigation measures, etc.), risk analysis and mitigation circulated to the MH, ONEP and SER (regional economic service).

BRL Ingénierie is also a facilitator in its participation in the project, providing the MH and ONEP with the most relevant and open advice to help them make decisions, demonstrating anticipation and professionalism in the face of the obstacles and risks that will mark out the implementation of the project, and assisting the MH, ONEP and Vergnet Hydro as best it can in carrying out works for the benefit of the targeted populations.