Giving Update: Kathonzweni Community

"Before the sand dam/shallow well project was established in this region, water scarcity was a great challenge to us. We would have to walk long distances to fetch water at open sources (scoop holes), which were very difficult for us. The task was harder for the locals without donkeys as they had to borrow donkeys or fetch one jerrycan of water and use it sparingly until their next trip to the water source. A lot of time was wasted in pursuit of water, often leading to stagnation at the household levels. During the dry seasons, the situation would get worse, and we would have to purchase water, which consumed a lot of our money," shared Josephine Wambua.

"Getting water from this water point has been easy and efficient for us. It has elevated our living standards such that we can conduct cleanliness daily, perform our household chores on time and engage in other productive activities. Walking to and from the water point is not time-consuming at all as it takes two to three strokes of the water pump to get a jerrycan full of water. The water is fresh and safe for drinking (we boil before drinking). As a result, complaints of water-related diseases are unheard of. I am now much more peaceful than I was before. I do not have to worry about waking extra early to walk long distances to fetch dirty water. My life quality has really improved, and I am happy."

Josephine Wambua

"Through this water point, I have managed to establish a vegetable garden where I have planted vegetables such as amaranth, kales, and spinach. This is a great milestone because I can alter the diet that my family feeds on. We were trained on soap making, which has been helpful as I make soap to clean the house, wash the dishes, bathe, among other uses, thus sparing the money we initially used for purchasing soap."