HISTORY



the first pump paied by Eau Vive (Sénégal, oct. 1979)25 years of innovation and continuity

At the end of the 1970's, a strong drought hit the African Sahel. Xavier Mallet, General Manager of Pompes Guinard, learned that one of the pumps sold by his company in Senegal had broken down and that someone had fallen into the well while trying to draw water. Affected by this news, he decided learn more about the problems of water and of the people in this region. Upon his return, he founded a humanitarian association, specializing in hydraulic problems: Eau Vive (March 21, 1978).

Since then, Eau Vive has always looked from the point of view of the Sahelians and the local realities:

1978-1983: The youth of Eau Vive

  • The first projects use photovoltaic energy, but technology alone does not cause development. What counts above all else is the energy of the Sahelian people.

1983-1987: Eau Vive gradually widens their scope

  • Engagement with mobilized local players
  • Support of projects in Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo
  • Eau Vive is interested in water in all its states, water and soil conservation, sanitation, training in hygiene

1987-1991: Review and Research

  • New approach to projects: response to requests from the village communities, promotion of the role of the villagers, contractual framework

1992-1996: A new spirit

  • Start of African teams
  • Reinforcement of the role of Eau Vive as a financial supporter and advisor with the local players
  • Support for the essential areas of rural development: water, health, instruction, production, and village organization.

1997-2003: Professional and diverse actions

  • Support the decentralization process in the Sahel countries
  • Concentration of actions in the most disadvantaged villages
  • Evaluation and capitalization of know-how
  • Actions of communication and lobbying