A Year Later: Ngaa Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Ngaa 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.

Residents of Ngaa Village are euphoric after the well and sand dam were installed in their region. The well has been instrumental in providing sufficient clean water to the community. Long distances that were initially traveled in search for water have been reduced as they walk for less than 500 meters to access water.

"Before this project, we used to go to fetch water more than two kilometers away and had to use donkeys to carry it. Nowadays, things are easy," Cosmos Wambua said.

"I walk for short distances within the village which takes me less than five minutes to access the shallow well water."

He also noted the fact that waterborne diseases are not a problem for community members, thanks to the well. People also are applying the lessons they learned from the hygiene and sanitation pieces of training in their daily lives!

"Availability of water has led to clean homes and cleanliness among ourselves this includes the latrines and clothes being washed on a daily basis. In addition, the levels of hygiene have improved as I wash hands before meals and after visiting latrines," Priscilla Kanyiva said.

Some people have started commercial agriculture using water from the dam to grow kale, maize, and other crops which are growing exceptionally well and fetch good prices in the market.

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.

Sand dam

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 Ngaa is changing many lives.

"I have been enjoying fetching water, as it is a less than 10 minutes activity," Mrs. Kanyiva said.

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.