Rehabilitation Project
This project is part of Bridge Water Project's program in Western Kenya. What follows is direct from them:
BACKGROUND OF THE LUKONGO POLICE PATROL BASE
The proposed Lukongo Police patrol base is a police station that was set up by the government to enforce law and security to the people of Lukongo. The compound initially had a hand dug well from 2000 by funded by the CDF (Community Development Fund). The well was fitted with an Indian Mark II pump but broke down in 2010 due to overuse and lack of maintenance by surrounding communities. The pump was rendered useless since its spare parts could not be found locally. The pump was dismantled and this forced the community members to start drawing water from the well using a jerrican tied to a rope. The local area’s chief approached Bridge Water Project requesting for the rehabilitation of the well so that the people of the community can go back to drawing clean and safe water. Having discussed at length with Mr. Mahero who is the chief of Lukongo, it was clarified that the well will be taken care of by the community members, with the help of the administration police officers providing security. Therefore we have no doubt that the well will be properly maintained and sustained by the committee in charge.
CURRENT WATER SOURCE
The community members currently get water from the same well using a jerrican that is tied to a rope. The safety of the water is not guaranteed since its open. The water is mostly contaminated by dust, leaves and litter that is thrown in the well by children.
POPULATION
The community has a population of 50 households with an approximate head count of 6 people per household.
HYGIENE AND SANITATION
During the baseline survey, it was clear that some of the community members did not have latrines and that was a clear indication that open defecation was still being practiced. No hand washing stations were notable in any of the homesteads and the police camp.
Cases of typhoid, malaria and jiggers are very common in the community. Most of the children miss school due to diarrhea which is caused by bad hygiene practices.
ASSESSING THE NEED
The Lukongo police post well needs to be rehabilitated since it is open thus prone to contamination. If the well is fitted with an affridev pump, the consumers will have access to clean and quality water.
With practices like open defecation still being practiced in the community, there is need to hold a hygiene and sanitation training to sensitize the community members on good hygiene practices.
WATER COMMITTEE
The water project does not have a water committee but will create with one through the intervention of BWP. This committee will have the mandate to run the project and ensure its sustainability.
