Project Status



Project Type:  Dug Well and Hand Pump

Program: Sand Dams in Kenya

Impact: 500 Served

Project Phase:  In Service - Mar 2014

Functionality Status:  Functional

Last Checkup: 11/25/2024

Project Features


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Community Profile

This project is being implemented by our partner African Sand Dam Foundation, and is focused on the construction of a hand-dug well with hand pump, and corresponding community education programs.

Below is project information direct from our partner:

This shallow well was to be implemented by Athiani self help group in connection to their sand dam data, which was built in July 2013 through the support of The Water Project. After the completion of the dam it was not possible to excavate the shallow well for lining and hand pump installation due to the geological makeup of the area. Due to the nature of the bedrock it was impossible to excavate the shallow well to a sufficient depth that enabled sufficient infiltration of water to the hand pump.

After consultation with the self-help group it was agreed that it was not viable to implement the shallow well project within their dam and they were happy to have it implemented by another community.

Kithaayoni self help group had in the previous year (2012) benefited from the support of a sand dam in October. During consultative planning meetings with the group they had requested support to put up a shallow well in attachment with this sand dam that until now was not funded or built. When the opportunity presented itself it was agreed upon due to substitute a SW in Kithaayooni.

The community group had started excavation of the shallow well awaiting support whenever it was going to be possible. Excavation of this shallow well and the collection of the local materials needed for construction started on May 5th, 2013 and completed in August 2013.The lining of the shallow well to enable the installation of a hand pump started on August 21st 2013. The shallow well was fully completed by September 5th, 2013.

This well was funded in connection with a sand dam constructed in a community where, due to difficult geology, a shallow well could not be constructed.  To see that project, click here.

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Project Type

Hand-dug wells have been an important source of water throughout human history! Now, we have so many different types of water sources, but hand-dug wells still have their place. Hand dug wells are not as deep as borehole wells, and work best in areas where there is a ready supply of water just under the surface of the ground, such as next to a mature sand dam. Our artisans dig down through the layers of the ground and then line the hole with bricks, stone, or concrete, which prevent contamination and collapse. Then, back up at surface level, we install a well platform and a hand pump so people can draw up the water easily.


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