Giving Update: Maluvyu Community

"Before the sand dam and shallow well project, this area had very many challenges concerning getting water. We used to walk up to Kituluni River to fetch water around two kilometers from my home, and the water was very salty. The water source had long queues because a large population depended on it. The quest for water was very time consuming, and very little was accomplished in a day as lots of our time was expended on the task of fetching water," explained Mary Mutua.

"Now, I can leave food cooking on my jiko (stove) and rush to fetch water in a few minutes and go back home. This project has really saved my life in terms of development at my homestead. The water is very pure and sweet for drinking. I feel very blessed to have water nearby, which has motivated me to start a vegetable garden at home. My children can now have a variety of meals and diet because I can farm any crop I want."

Mary Mutua at the well

"The community members have agreed to buy water from our water point, which we plan to save in our group table banking. During the dry season, the water point will be strictly under lock and key policy and will be opened at specific times when people want to buy the water. Community members are pleased with the water point because it has fresh water and is easy to use. Additionally, through this project, I established a vegetable garden at my home, which has helped improve the health and dietary plans for my family. I also sell the vegetables and fruits on my farm at Kathonzweni market. I can have my own money and not entirely depend on my husband to make ends meet."

Mary shows off her garden