A Year Later: Matsakha A Community

A year ago, generous donors helped rehabilitate a well for Matsakha Community in Kenya. Because of these gifts and our monthly donors, partners are able to visit project sites throughout the year, strengthening relationships with communities and evaluating the actual water project. These consistent visits allow us to learn vital lessons and hear amazing stories - we're excited to share this one with you.

When we think about providing clean water, the first thing that often come to mind is having safe water to drink. And certainly that is utterly important. But a year after rehabilitating the well at Matsakha, WASH officer Paul Weringa observed the incredible breadth of impact that access to water can bring. Cases of waterborne diseases have definitely reduced, but Paul also noted, "Men and women spent their good time in their small farms unlike before when much time was spent in the hospitals and dispensaries seeking medical for the treatment of diarrhea, typhoid, stomach ache and skin diseases in children. The families are now able to produce more harvests from their farms since they have the strength to plough their farms."

Twenty-two year old student and farmer Joshua Simiyu said, "By the fact that the well is located in our land, I am able to irrigate my vegetable gardens during dry seasons. In the past dry season, I was able to make some money out of the vegetables that I planted and irrigated by use of water from this source."

Community member and chairman Joseph Mulongo shared, "For a long time, our wives complained of chest and back pains. This was as a result of pulling the rope tied on the bucket. There is a relieve for them since the pump was installed on the well… It’s become easier for me to water my animals since it’s easier to fetch water. Earlier before, I avoided fetching water for the livestock and letting my wife do the work. The production of milk is good. I am now able to sell the milk and take care of my family."

Healthy bodies, healthy livestock, and productive farms.  All of this is the result of access to safe, clean water!

Paul and Joseph both noted that there is still room for improvement in Matsakha. Some community members are still reluctant to contribute to the well’s maintenance and repair fund, an important part of sustaining this well. Our partner will continue working with the community to understand this critical need.

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The Water Project and our partners are committed to consistent monitoring of each water source. Our monitoring and evaluation program, made possible by monthly donors, allows us to visit communities up to 4 times a year. Read more about our program and how you can help.