Giving Update: Kathuni Community A

"We are delighted to report an improvement in our community since the completion of this project," said Bernard Ngui, a member of the self-help group that contributed to the construction of the sand dam and hand-dug well in Kathuni a year ago.

The water project has amounted to immense change, growth, and development in Kathuni village. The environment is very green and serene. A variety of fruit trees and food crops have been planted such as bananas, pawpaws, avocados, maize, beans, mangoes, and timber trees. Their water is fresh for drinking and the water table level is high - meaning there is a lot of water at the shallow well.

Community members access clean water easily at a distance of fewer than 500 meters. The water table level has increased and there is a lot of sand along the river bed which enables further water storage.

"Initially, there was no water nearby to use for drinking or to carry out household chores. Currently, it takes us less than 30 minutes to get to the water source and less time is expended on the task of fetching water. This has enabled more members to indulge in other income-generating activities such as farming," said Mr. Ngui.

"I have benefited most from this project because my farm is adjacent to the water project; I have planted French beans for sale which has earned me a great income enabling me to cater [to] my family needs."

Bernard Ngui

Farming is progressing well with most members venturing in agribusiness, especially in the sale of French beans and vegetables such as kale, cabbage, and spinach. Hygiene and sanitation have improved since the training that was conducted with the group members. The members reported having frequent showers, the maintenance of clean latrines, and improved hygiene habits.

"Life has changed and the difference is highly appreciated. I used to walk for more than 3 kilometers to fetch water. Most of my duties would get postponed for days because of insufficient water. There were also many diseases that were contracted from drinking water fetched from open water sources," said Rose Mbithe, a 60-year-old user of the well.

"At my age, I can boast of a very comfortable life thanks to the water projects."

Rose Mbithe fetches water at the well