A Year Later: "I can indulge in activities I enjoy."

Last year, the community members of Kathamba Ngii Community often had to go to extreme measures to find enough water to meet their daily needs.

“I used to walk for long distances in order to fetch water for use at home," said 49-year-old Tabitha Mutheke. "The river would dry very fast as it is a seasonal river. Hence, we had to dig very deep scoop holes to access water for basic household uses. A lot of time would be wasted in search of water for use, time that could be spared for productive or developmental activities."

But since a sand dam was implemented in their community last year and the rains finally came, things have been improving.

“Life has changed and improved for the better. It takes me a few minutes to draw water and get back home. I usually manage to complete my household chores on time, and with that, I can indulge in activities I enjoy, such as farming and catching up with friends," said Tabitha. "Additionally, the cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation of my home [have] improved because water is readily available. I can also fetch water at any time of the day with no strains at all.”

With water readily available, Tabitha has been able to put it to good use for her agricultural projects as well.

"Through this water point, I have managed to acquire water to irrigate our group tree nursery and my kitchen garden. My goats and cattle are also able to get enough water to drink within a short distance and time, which has positively [changed] their health and yield," concluded Tabita.

Tabitha.