A Year Later: Ilinge Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Ilinge Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow teams to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the water project over time. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories – and we’re excited to share this one from Titus Mbithi with you.

The area looks beautiful, with trees and new green growth thanks to the water point.

People are relieved that they no longer have to travel more than 3 kilometers to the Thwake River to meet their water needs, now that the dam and well are mature. One notable result is that farmers are planting trees and crops that are only possible due to reliable access to water.

"Levels of cleanliness in my home have improved due to increased access to clean water, the children shower regularly, clothes are washed thoroughly as well as the latrines," Sebastian Mumo, chairperson of the local self-help gorup said.

"A handwashing culture has developed among the majority of community members owing to water availability and the training we received."

Sebastian Mumo

Construction of the dam and well is only one step along the journey toward sustainable access to clean water. The Water Project is committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by donors like you, allows us to maintain our relationships with communities by visiting up to 4 times each year to ensure that the water points are safe and reliable.

This is just one of the many ways that we monitor projects and communicate with you. Additionally, you can always check the functionality status and our project map to see how all of our water points are performing, based on our consistent monitoring data.

One project is just a drop in the bucket towards ending the global water crisis, but the ripple effects of this project are truly astounding. This dam and well in Ilinge is changing many lives.

"Mum has taught me how to wash my hands and she always insists on keeping clean hands after visiting latrines and before eating anything," Ndindi Ndunda, a five-year-old girl said.

Ndindi Ndunda

She is also happy because she can help out her family fetch water because the well is so close to their home.

"I can fetch many times without getting tired and taking less time to the well and back home," she explained.

This is only possible because of the web of support and trust built between The Water Project, our local teams, the community, and you. We are excited to stay in touch with this community and support their journey with safe water.

Read more about The Water Promise and how you can help.