Giving Update: Kithumba Community Hand-Dug Well

Kithumba Community is a changing area thanks to the sand dam and hand-dug shallow well system that was constructed in the locality a year ago. Access to clean drinking water has resulted in better living standards for this group of people.

"In the past year, we have experienced great changes in this area. Our environment has improved, it is greener and cooler," said Simon Kituku, a 68-year-old who lives near the well and dam.

"Livestock now have food and they drink water nearer [to home], compared to how far they used to walk before. We feel very safe health-wise, economically, and socially because of the availability of safe water."

Nowadays, community members have easy access to clean drinking water at any time of the day. The water quality and water quantity have increased in the past year.

"Availability of water in this region is a very precious blessing to us. We used to walk for close to 3 kilometers to fetch water at a nearby stream which would be completely dry, forcing us to walk further. We were in a very desperate situation before this project," explained Justine Kanini.

"This project is the best gift to us in this community."

The environment of this area has improved drastically as it is greener and more fertile. Group members have used water from their project to farm vegetables which contribute to their lives positively in both their nutrition and ability to be sold for income. The availability of water along the river bed has made their lives easier since it is easily accessible to a large population.

Disease rates have reduced as a result of the water and the lessons on and adoption of hygiene practices such as handwashing, water treatment, and improved personal hygiene have taken hold of the community. Good health has dominated the lifestyles of people here.