A Year Later: Katunguli Community

A year ago, your generous donation enabled us to construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Katunguli Community in Kenya. The contributions of incredible monthly donors and others giving directly to The Water Promise allow our local 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 local team member Lilian Kendi with you.

The community is very excited about the water project because of the changes that they have observed over the past year. Water is available for them all year round and the source is just 500 meters away for most families.

"We used to walk for 5 kilometers to fetch water from River Thwake. It was very far. Now, water is just a stone's throw away," said Daniel Mutula.

"More than three hours of our day was expended on fetching water. Now, we spend less than thirty minutes. It is such a relief to us."

Daniel Mutula

Since the construction of the sand dam and shallow well, there is plenty of water along the river bed which is adequate for farming and for their livestock. The homesteads near the water source have established vegetable gardens as a result of the water available. The members of this group can now farm easily thanks to the close access to water.

"The sand dam has held gallons of water where our livestock gets water easily. I have also used the water for farming of kales and tomatoes which has helped me in improving my diet at home," explained Munyoki Kitundu.

The environment in Katunguli has improved due to the presence of water in their region. It is very cool and serene, said our field staff after a recent visit.

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 project in Katunguli is changing many lives.

"At a time like this in the previous years, this river bed would be so dry to a point where we would dig extremely deep scoop-holes to access water. Now, the water levels have really increased," said Mr. Kitundu.

Munyoki Kitundu

"We were taught on cost-effective ways of treating water which has aided us in reducing the dangers of contracting diseases."

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.