Changamwe urban sanitation project taking shape!

I’ve been spending quite a lot of time with a men’s support group in Changamwe recently, an informal urban

settlement on the main Nairobi road out of Mombasa.

They have developed a proposal for a sanitation block in their community, involving three or four flush toilets and

a shower. The idea is that people will pay per use of the facility, and through this the group can raise funds for

another similar project in the future as well as provide support for AIDs affected families in the community.

The site is small, around 5m by 3m, but ideally located to the main road, and right next to the municipal water line

and the sewerage network. The group are also keen to include a community space in the project, to allow them to facilitate HIV awareness events and hold Voluntary Community Testing (VCT) evenings.

As well as support from TWP, the group are also working closely with Women Fighting AIDs in Kenya (WOFAK), a well established respected NGO with substantial experience of working in slum settlements in Kenya.

At this point we’re in the discussion stage, and are committed to facilitating the design process and workshop sessions. When we have some coherent plans and a decent proposal, we’re also very keen on the idea of funding the construction process, and as such entering into the world of urban water and sanitation. At the same time, TWP is talking to WOFAK about on – going support, and about ensuring that the group have the capacity to handle their income and maintain the facility in the long run.

Good, exciting, progress. Watch this space!