In the coastal village of Kiteje, Kenya, water scarcity is a daily struggle. Located in Kwale County, Kiteje is home to nearly 700 residents, primarily engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Despite their efforts, the community faces a formidable challenge: the lack of access to clean water. Amina, a local resident, exemplifies the hardship, spending six hours each day fetching water with her young child on her back.
The village's primary water source is a dam, shared with livestock, leading to frequent water-related illnesses. Hand-dug wells, while common, often dry up during the dry season, exacerbating the issue. This dire situation not only affects health but also disrupts education, as children miss school to help with water collection.
The need for sustainable solutions
Water is a fundamental human need, essential for survival. Yet, every day, 2.1 billion people worldwide wake up without access to clean water. This stark reality leaves millions of vulnerable families without safe drinking, cooking, or bathing water. In many rural communities, the hope for clean water rests on external NGOs or nonprofit organisations to provide wells. However, countless communities lack access to such support, leaving them in a perpetual state of water insecurity.
Who Lives ORG's intervention
Recognising the urgent need in Kiteje, WHO Lives ORG has stepped in to support the village's quest for clean water. Their initiative focuses on installing boreholes, a more reliable and sustainable water source. By providing boreholes, WHO Lives ORG aims to alleviate the health risks associated with contaminated water and reduce the economic burden of medical bills for waterborne illnesses. This project, managed by Village Drill Engineers Kenya, promises to transform the community by ensuring a consistent and safe water supply.
Transformative impact
The introduction of boreholes in Kiteje will not only improve health outcomes but also enhance educational opportunities. With clean water readily available, children can attend school regularly, paving the way for a brighter future. Additionally, the community will save money previously spent on healthcare and other costs associated with dirty water, fostering economic growth and stability.
Water scarcity remains a critical issue worldwide, but initiatives like those of WHO Lives ORG offer hope. By addressing the water challenges in Kiteje, Kenya, they are not only improving the lives of individuals like Amina but also contributing to the broader goal of making clean water accessible to all. This project exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable solutions and the vital role of NGOs in ensuring basic human needs are met.
More information and source: https://wholives.org/projects/amina-loses-6-hours-each-day-collecting-water-in-kiteje-kenya/
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@WHOlives