A Year Later: Muyundi Community

A year ago, generous donors helped rehabilitate a well with the Muyundi Community in Western Kenya. Because of these gifts and contributions from our monthly donors, partners can 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 from our partner, Paul Weringa, with you.

There is reduced occurrence of the outbreak of waterborne diseases among the community members because of rehabilitating the water well. The afridev pump has enabled the community members to access water easily and safely without any possibilities of contamination at the source.

Without spending much for hospital bills, the beneficiaries are now strong enough to do other activities in their farms which have enabled them to have enough food in their homes.

“The biggest achievement for this community is having a new a pump installed on our water source,” says Isabela Hamisi. “The pump is easier to use and saves time. Before the installation of the new pump, we used to have a Nira pump which broke down frequently; therefore, the cost of maintaining was very high. In addition, the old pump was very heavy when pumping, causing chest pains among women,” she explains.

“Because of uncontrolled breakdowns of the old pump, there was a high level of water contamination every time we repaired it,” continues Isabela. “This put us in risk of contracting waterborne diseases like diarrhea and typhoid. The new pump has saved a lot of our time. We can fetch safe water on time and go back to carry out our daily responsibilities like farming. Carrying out cleanliness in our houses is made easier since it is easier to fetch water from the borehole without struggling.”

“My health has improved,” added community member Barnabass Bulu. “Initially, typhoid prevailed against me and I was always troubled because of the cost of treatment. The new pump has also enabled me to do other activities like farming and livestock keeping.”

There is need to continue engaging the community on issues water management and sustainability and good hygiene practices. We’d also like the community to build a fence around the pump. We will continue to monitor this project to ensure a long-term sustainability and maintenance.

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.