A Year Later: "This waterpoint offers enough clean water."

Farmer and chairman of the water committee Mutua Musyemi, 48, recalled what life was like in Kanyoeni before his community’s sand dam was implemented last year.

"Life in the past was difficult because [of the] semi-arid nature of our area. My wife and older children had to walk for about 2km (over a mile) to Thua River to draw water from the open scoop holes. Despite the arduous journey, the water was insufficient for activities like crop irrigation, cleaning our garments and other personal hygiene practices. Also, the scoop holes were shared with goats, donkeys and cows that would excrete at the water points. This exposed us to infections like typhoid, amoeba and occasional stomach upsets,” said Mutua.

But life is much less burdensome for Mutua and his family now.

"I am very happy about this waterpoint because it's very close to my home. I have planted kales, spinach and tomatoes for subsistence purposes. I easily fetch enough water for use at home and I recently set up a house for my boys. The water is also very crucial when making bricks which are essential when building a concrete structure. My cattle and goats have also improved their yield because the water point is nearby," he said.

Having ready access to water from the sand dam and attached well has made a difference for Mutua, allowing him to improve his family's life for the future.

"This waterpoint offers enough clean water. I now have enough clean water for drinking, cooking, and performing hygiene and sanitation activities. Me and my family no longer experience contaminated water-related symptoms like stomach upsets or diarrhea. Furthermore, I am no longer spending my strained income on medication," concluded Mutua.

Thank you for helping Mutua and his family access clean water and pour their time and energy into development projects that will make their futures brighter.

Right now, there are others just like them in neighboring communities that desperately need safe water access. Your support will immediately go to work to provide a clean water project - and we can’t wait to introduce you to the next person you’ll help.

Mutua near the well that pumps water collected by the sand dam.