December, 2022: Clean Water in Kithalani Community!

You were a major part of establishing a sand dam/shallow well in the community of Kithalani. When we install sand dams, we build up sand to raise the water table and naturally filter water. However, it often takes a rainy season or two for the projects to reach their full potential.

Clean water flowing!

We are thrilled to report the sand dam and shallow well are now filled with water and fully functional, providing clean water to the community. Thank you for making clean water a reality for this region. By having consistent access to reliable water, the people of this community’s health, energy, finances, and free time are sure to improve!

June, 2022: Kithalani Community Dug Well Complete!

Kithalani Community, Kenya now has a new water source thanks to your donation! We constructed the new hand-dug well adjacent to a new sand dam on the riverbed. The sand dam will build up sand to raise the water table and naturally filter water, while the well will provide a safer method of drawing drinking water for the community.

Community members celebrate the completed well.

It could take up to three years of rain for this sand dam to reach maximum capacity because sometimes it only rains once a year in this region! As the sand dam matures and stores more sand, the surrounding landscape will become lush and fertile, and the well will fill with water.

Musyimi K., 11, shared, "I will have access to clean water that inhibits contraction of diseases like typhoid, dysentery, and amoeba. Meals at home will be prepared on time since my parents will no longer have to walk several kilometers searching for water."

He continued, "This will ensure I have more time to study and play with my friends, especially since I can easily get to the water point when I am sent by [my] parents. My parents will also be able to grow and irrigate various crops; hence, a balanced diet and enough food at home. My parents can also sell the farm produce and pay my school fees; thus I will be able to concentrate on my studies and improve my academic performance."

Completed well in the background.

"The availability of clean water from this water point will ensure I am no longer exposed to infections such as typhoid, dysentery, amoeba, and other stomach upsets," said farmer Kavuthi Musyimi, 36. "Although we already had a protected dug well, it was quite far from my place and I could at times settle for water from scoop holes."

Hand-Dug Well Construction Process

Construction for this well was a success!

Building materials.

We delivered the experts, materials, and tools, but the community helped get an extraordinary amount of work done, too. They collected local materials to supplement the project, including sand, stones, and water. When all the materials were ready, it was time to dig in!

First, we excavated a hole seven feet in diameter up to the recommended depth of 25 feet. (Most hand-dug wells do not reach that depth due to hard rocks between 10-18 feet.) As planned, the diameter shrank to 5 feet when the well lining was complete. This lining is made of brick and mortar with perforations to allow for water to seep through. When the well is finished, sand builds up around its walls, which will filter the rainwater stored behind the dam.

Once the lining reached ground level, we laid a precast concrete slab on top of the lining and joined it to the wall using mortar. The concrete dried for two weeks before installation. We fixed four bolts onto the slab during casting in preparation for the hand pump's installation.

Next, the mechanics arrived to install the pump as community members watched, learning how to manage simple maintenance tasks for themselves. We installed the pump level with the top of the sand dam. As the dam matures, sand will build up to the top of the wall. Until then, people will use the concrete steps to get their water. After installing the pump, we gave the well another few days to let the joints dry entirely.

We worked with the Lenza Mukuyuni Self-Help Group for this project. The members and their families contributed tremendous amounts of materials and physical labor.

New Knowledge

Our trainer conferred with the field staff about previous household visits and interviews with community members to determine which topics the community could improve upon.

Training exercise.

We decided to do a refresher training on health problems in the community, good and bad hygiene behaviors, the spread and prevention of disease, and sanitation improvements.

Using a tippy tap.

We also covered various skills, including bookkeeping, financial management, project management, group dynamics, and governance.

Soapmaking.

We included techniques like soapmaking and handwashing.

Farmer William Musyoka, who is the Chairman of the Water User Committee said, "Honestly we had relaxed in some practices like water treatment and handwashing; very critical practices that spread diseases at a very high rate, but now after that refresher, we have chosen to go start practicing.

William.

He continued, "We are going to share the knowledge and skills with our neighbors and friends so as to make the change a uniform in our area. I’m also sure that the new members will benefit so much from this training and utilize it in their homes."

Conclusion

This project required a substantial collaboration between our staff, our partners, and the community members themselves. When an issue arises concerning the well, the group members are equipped with the necessary skills to rectify the problem and ensure it works appropriately. However, if the issue is beyond their capabilities, they can contact our field officers to assist them.

Also, we will continue to offer them unmatchable support as a part of our ongoing monitoring and maintenance program. We have an ongoing commitment to walk with each community, cooperatively problem-solving when they face challenges of any kind: with functionality, seasonality, or water quality issues. With all these components together, we strive to ensure enduring access to reliable, clean, and safe water for this community.

With your contribution, one more piece has been added to a large puzzle of water projects. In our target areas, we’re working toward complete coverage of reliable, maintained water sources within a 30-minute round trip for each community, household, school, and health center. With this in mind, search through our upcoming projects to see which community you can help next!

Thank you for making all of this possible!

May, 2022: Kithalani Community Hand Dug Well Project Underway!

A severe clean water shortage in Kithalani Community drains people’s time, energy, and health. Thanks to your generosity, we’re working to install a clean water point and much more.

Get to know this community through the introduction and pictures we’ve posted, and read about this water, sanitation, and hygiene project. We look forward to reaching out with more good news!