Esther's Health Improves with Clean Water!

Last year, your gift unlocked the potential for a brighter future for Esther. Since then, she and the Syunoo Community of 350 residents have had clean, reliable water. Your contribution has made a significant impact. Thank you for making a difference!

"My health has greatly improved because I am drinking clean water that prevents exposure to water-related infections," said 60-year-old Esther Kasilu.

Before the Sand Dam Installation

Like many women in Kenya, Esther is responsible for collecting water to meet her and her family's daily water needs. Before last year’s water intervention, that task stole her time and negatively affected her health.

Community members collect water from a scoop hole in a dry river bed before the sand dam installation.

Drinking the water caused severe consequences. Many in her community suffered from waterborne diseases that created health problems, affecting their daily lives. Limited accessibility also meant people wasted time collecting sufficient water to meet their needs. The difficult journey to collect water sapped their physical and emotional energy, creating roadblocks. For Esther, in particular, it lessened her opportunity to make progress and earn a living.

"Before the construction of this sand dam, life was very frustrating because getting water was a difficult ordeal. We wasted a lot of time walking to Enziu River which is very far from here (about 7 km or 4.3 miles). We had to queue at the river only to get water from the scoop holes which was very unclean and unsafe for human use. This exposed us to water-related infections like typhoid, amoeba, and dysentery,” said Esther.

"I had to wake up early to avoid the long queues at the waterpoint, but I would still return home very tired because of the long journey. We could only draw water from open scoop holes because they were the only alternative for most [of] us but the water was contaminated. Although, I would at times borrow a donkey from a neighbor, I had to carry water on my back on several occasions which was very frustrating."

Since the Sand Dam Installation

Your generous gift last year was much more than a simple donation; it was a powerful statement about your commitment to this community and Esther’s future. By supporting the water solution, you made clean water an everyday reality, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Esther collecting water.

Reliable and clean water lays the groundwork for improved health, education, and economic possibilities, allowing people to thrive. We frequently hear from those we interview that "water is life!"

"After constructing this sand dam, life has changed a lot. I now get time to focus on activities like cleaning my house, washing garments, preparing my land, and other household duties. This waterpoint is very close to my home and I can even send my grandchildren to draw water here," shared Esther.

"It only takes a few minutes to draw water here and return home which is much faster than before, when we could spend more than half a day on drawing water."

"My health has greatly improved because I am drinking clean water that prevents exposure to water-related infections. I have also planted some vegetables on my farm that ensure my family can have a decent meal every day. I am very happy about this project. I am also no longer spending most of my time and effort on fetching water; thus, I am able to focus on farming and taking care of things at home."

The Future is Looking Bright!

A year ago, you made a difference for Esther and the rest of her community. This is just the first chapter of their story as access to clean water continues to improve their lives!

At The Water Project, we value sustainability and want to ensure that people continue to thrive. We commit to monitoring this project to ensure the water is always flowing and safe to consume. We inspect the system hardware, track water availability, conduct sanitary inspections, and collect water quality samples to identify risks. We work with our team on the ground to resolve them.

You gave Esther a crucial tool for achieving her dreams: access to clean water. Together, we can excitedly expect that with this precious resource, her enthusiasm and courage will help fulfill her dreams.

"We have [a] tree nursery that we irrigate using water from this waterpoint. In the past year, I have planted kales on my farm. This project has made [it possible for] me [to] acquire income and feed my family. The close availability of water has enabled me [to] improve hygiene and sanitation at home. My children and I are also no longer exposed to water-related infections; thus, our health has greatly improved," said Esther.

"I want to be the best vegetable farmer in our area because vegetables attract a high demand. I will continue irrigating my farm using water from this point and sell more produce so that I can purchase a generator that pumps water into my farm."