November, 2023: Ngomeni Community Sand Dam Complete!

Ngomeni, Kenya, now has access to a new water source, thanks to your donation! We constructed a new sand dam on the riverbed, which will build up sand to raise the water table and naturally filter water over time. We also built a new hand-dug well with a hand pump adjacent to the sand dam, providing the community with a safer method to draw drinking water supplied by the dam.

"Getting water from this point is such a blessing. I will easily draw clean water and get time to cook for my family, which was difficult in the past because I could spend more than 4 hours fetching water from the distant scoop holes," said 67-year-old farmer Rose Syumbata.

Rose.

"I will also have enough water to wash my clothes and no longer stack them in the dirty sack at home. My children will also be going to school every day because water is adequate and easily accessible. They will no longer be absent due to lack of water to carry to school. My cattle and goats will also have [a] nearby source of drinking water, and I will no longer have to walk several kilometers herding them to the scoop hole."

Rose continued, "This water point is very close to my land, and I will use the water to irrigate my vegetables that I will sell and remain with some to supplement my family's diet. I will have enough water and time to clean my house, wash garments, and even prepare my land for the rains. I am very happy that hygiene and sanitation will improve at home. My health will also improve because I will be getting better sleep and not walking several kilometers to draw water."

Sand Dam Construction Process

The members of the Kwa Lila Self-Help Group collected all of the local materials, like rocks and sand, required to complete the dam. The collection of raw materials takes longer than the actual construction, lasting up to four months for a large sand dam. The group also dedicated their time and energy to support our artisans with physical labor throughout the project.

Community self-help group working hard to contribute to the project's success.

First, our team drew siting and technical designs and presented them to the Water Resources Management Authority. We also sent a survey to the National Environment Management Authority for approval before we began construction.

Once the plans were approved, we established firm bedrock at the base of the sand dam wall. In the absence of good bedrock, we excavate to a depth at which the ground is compact enough to stop seepage.

Next, we mixed and heaped mortar (a mixture of sand, cement, and water) into the foundation, followed by rocks once there was enough mortar. We then used barbed wire and rebar to reinforce the mixture.

Once the foundation was complete, we built a timber skeleton to hold the sludge and rocks above ground level. Once our first layer dried, we repeated the process until we reached a sufficient height, width, and length.

Finally, we dismantled the vertical timber beams and left the dam to cure. This dam measures 52 meters long and 3 meters high and took 873 bags of cement to build.

As soon as it rains, the dam will build up sand and store water. With this water, the surrounding landscape will become lush and fertile, and the well will provide drinking water to the community. It could take up to three years of rain for this sand dam to reach maximum capacity because, in this region, sometimes it only rains once a year!

New Knowledge

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

Part of the training was being introduced to how to make soap and latrine disinfectant. While stirring the soap, the participants sang traditional work songs to motivate them. They are excited about the newfound knowledge that they hope to turn into an income-generating project.

Participants were very excited about the soap-making session, which was their first common income-generating activity. "While stirring the soap, the members sang traditional work songs to motivate them," said field officer Alex Koech.

We also touched on health problems in the community, good and bad hygiene behaviors, the spread and prevention of disease, and sanitation improvements. Finally, we covered natural resource management and the operation and maintenance of the sand dam.

When discussing water treatment, some of the participants shared myths about water treatment they believed were true.

"For example, some said when water is treated using [the] boiling method, it is termed as 'dead water' and might not add any value in the body. After a lengthy discussion about water hygiene, the members were discouraged from believing in such myths and were encouraged to embrace water treatment as an easy way of preventing the spread of diseases," said Alex.

Titus Thyaka.

"We have learned new ideas which will help us prevent diseases. For example, I have learned how to treat drinking water and wash my hands properly, among other things. I will apply this knowledge and even train others. In addition, we have been trained on how to make soap and a latrine disinfectant. The soap project will enable us [to] generate an income for our group. We are very happy and grateful," said 70-year-old farmer and chairperson of the water user committee Titus Thyaka.

Conclusion

This project required a substantial collaboration between our staff, our in-country teams, and the community members. When an issue arises concerning the sand dam, 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 their local field officers to assist them.

Also, we will continue to offer them unmatchable support as a part of our monitoring and maintenance program. We walk with each community, problem-solving together when they face challenges with functionality, seasonality, or water quality. Together, all these components help us strive for 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 Kenya, Uganda, and Sierra Leone, we're working toward complete coverage. That means 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!

August, 2023: Ngomeni Community Sand Dam Project Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Ngomeni Community costs people time, energy, and health every single day. Clean water scarcity contributes to community instability and diminishes individuals’ personal progress.

But thanks to your recent generosity, things will soon improve here. We are now working to install a reliable water point and improve hygiene standards. We look forward to sharing inspiring news in the near future!