October, 2023: Kalimbui Community Sand Dam Complete!

Thanks to your donation, Kalimbui Community, Kenya, now has access to a new water source! We constructed a new sand dam on the riverbed to 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.

"I am very happy that this water point has been set up close to our home because it will enable [us to] get clean drinking water, and my mother will be able to prepare meals on time. Although I could accompany my mother most times to the distant borehole, I was often left at home and had to bear with the thirst. I will now be able to drink water whenever I can, and my mother will now be at home to prepare food for us," 8-year-old Austin M. shared.

"Accompanying my parents to the river was tiresome, and I would arrive home feeling tired with my muscles aching from the long walk. Remaining at home was still not an option because drinking water would run out, and I had to wait for my mother to return. Food would be prepared once daily because water was scarce, and most times, I was hungry. This project will [provide] enough water close to home, and I will be able to study and play with my friends. I will also take meals throughout the day and drink clean water," he continued.

Sand Dam Construction Process

The members of Kalinza Self-Help Group collected all 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.

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 24 meters long and 3 meters high and took 620 bags of cement to build.

The dam will build up sand and store water as soon as it rains. 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.

There was good attendance throughout the three training days, averaging 33 people a day. It was held at a community member's home near the project. The most memorable topic of discussion was how to make soap and latrine disinfectant and the importance of using both. Community members were excited to learn why hygiene is crucial and the opportunity to generate income by selling their soap products.

We trained the group on various skills, including bookkeeping, financial management, project management, group dynamics, and governance. We also conducted hygiene and sanitation training to teach skills like soap- and detergent-making and improve behaviors such as handwashing.

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.

Josephine Mbithi, 62, added, "We came here 'empty,' but now we are going home rich [in] knowledge and information. We have learned many new things that will be very helpful in our lives and help us reduce [the] incidence of diseases. For instance, we didn't know how to make a simple tippy tap like the one we've been shown; it's a special structure that will help us wash our hands after visiting latrines. I also didn't know the importance or how to wash fruits with running water, but now I know."

Josephine Mbiti near the sand dam.

"I'm sure all the members will make sure that they have the sanitation infrastructures like utensil racks for drying our utensils, [a] rubbish pit for dumping all the compound dirt and another one for burning papers and things that don't decay, [a] latrine squat hole cover among other infrastructures that will help us reduce diseases. The skill of soap and latrine disinfectant making will be of very great importance. It will help reduce financial stress and conflicts at home since we will make the two [to] sell to get some income to support our basic needs," she continued.

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 facing functionality, seasonality, or water quality challenges. 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: Kalimbui Community Sand Dam Project Underway!

The lack of adequate water in Kalimbui 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!