M. Wegner
44/F
Zinder, Niger
| Location: | Timia, Agadez Region, Niger |
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| Category: | Health |
| Published: | 21 August 2007 |
| Progress: | |
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The village of Timia is a very enclaved oasis of about 4.000 inhabitants in the middle of the Aïr mountains which are as high as 1600 m above sea level. The people of Timia are Tuareg who live of their lifestock husbandry (taken care of by the women) and their oasis gardens (cultivated by men). The men produce a rather great variety of vegetables, grain, fruit and dates. Year after year during the rainy season torrents endanger the gardens. The cultivation is seasonal and does not guarantee an adequate supply for the families.
The closest market places are Agadez (220 km) and Arlit (230 km). Travelling to Agadez takes about 9 hours by a four wheel drive vehicle. There are two lorries in Timia owned by the cooperative which transport goods and people too. Going by lorry to Agadez takes about two to three days due to the difficult terrain.
The health center of Timia is covering a large region, sick people come to the center by donkeys or camels. The health center has a capacity of 10 beds and treats only known, not so complicated illnesses, and offers first aid to patients. More complicated cases of sickness have to be evacuated to Agadez.
In 1999, the population of Timia got a four wheel drive vehicle, a gift of a French association. All families of Timia are members of the association which supports the maintenance of this vehicle. They contribute a small, to their family budgets adapted amount of money. This budget covers the salary of the driver and small investments, but it cannot finance larger investments like tyres. The project consists of buying a set of tyres and giving them as a gift to the ambulance association. The village maintains a dozen of wells and water pumps for a long time.
(translated by betterplace)
The closest market places are Agadez (220 km) and Arlit (230 km). Travelling to Agadez takes about 9 hours by a four wheel drive vehicle. There are two lorries in Timia owned by the cooperative which transport goods and people too. Going by lorry to Agadez takes about two to three days due to the difficult terrain.
The health center of Timia is covering a large region, sick people come to the center by donkeys or camels. The health center has a capacity of 10 beds and treats only known, not so complicated illnesses, and offers first aid to patients. More complicated cases of sickness have to be evacuated to Agadez.
In 1999, the population of Timia got a four wheel drive vehicle, a gift of a French association. All families of Timia are members of the association which supports the maintenance of this vehicle. They contribute a small, to their family budgets adapted amount of money. This budget covers the salary of the driver and small investments, but it cannot finance larger investments like tyres. The project consists of buying a set of tyres and giving them as a gift to the ambulance association. The village maintains a dozen of wells and water pumps for a long time.
(translated by betterplace)