A Year Later: Experiencing great changes!

“Before the implementation of this water project, getting water was a very difficult task," said 72-year-old farmer and chairperson of the water user committee Eliud Katinda.

"The river would totally dry out during the dry seasons, and we had to dig very deep scoop holes to access water for use. Farming activities were very hard to sustain. Our crops always dried up because of insufficient water supply. A lot of time was also spent searching for water, especially as we approached the end of the year since most water sources had dried up,” Eliud continued.

But things have been different since a sand dam was implemented in Eliud's community of Mbiuni last year.

"Community members are now seeing the benefit and impact of the project as it has reduced the time they often spend searching for water. The water table has really increased, thus allowing easy access to water, [and] our environment has also really improved," Eliud shared.

Readily available water has also inspired Eliud, and he has seen dramatic changes and gone from surviving to thriving.

“In the past one year, we have experienced really great changes, such as the consistent and stable availability of water for household use and farming activities. I have a shamba next to the sand dam, and it is doing quite well. Through the implementation of this project, I have managed to regain my financial stability thanks to [the] availability of water," Eliud said.

"At my age, I am still energetic. It takes very little time to fetch water from the well and get back home. As a result, my wife and I are able to engage in other development activities that are less time-consuming or draining. I decided to plant fruit trees [like] oranges for my children and grandchildren to enjoy and have a test of the fruits of hard work. This is rewarding indeed,” he concluded.

Eliud pumps water from the well attached to the sand dam.