A Year Later: Syakama Community

A year ago, generous donors helped construct a sand dam and hand-dug well for Syakama 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 Joe Kioko with you.

There's a big difference in the lives of Syakama villagers, thanks to a year of access to clean drinking water right in the village. But the biggest difference which has a direct impact on livelihoods and income has been the ability to engage in agricultural projects next to the dams by taking advantage of the massive pools of water collected.

One community member, Kyalo Nyungu, cleared some land near the sand dam. He planted a variety of crops that he never could have grown before, including tomatoes, onions, and spinach. He harvested the crops months later and sold the produce at the local market, making $400. That is $400 in additional money, thanks to the sand dam and adjoining well.

It is having an impact on other community members too. Benard Wambua no longer has to walk a long distance to access water. He also said his home is cleaner now, thanks to the training he received and the improved access to water. Benard too witnessed his crops improve on his own land and for his neighbors. And he struck out to start a business producing bricks to sell, using the readily available water.

Benard Wambua

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 sand dam and hand-dug well in Syakama is changing many lives.

"Before we had the protected shallow wells, there were a lot of unprotected shallow wells along the river which were not only health hazards but also death traps for the community members," Titus Mutungi said.

That is a problem of the past. The community now has a well nearby that is also safe.

Titus Mutungi

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.