Lemasusu Church & Nursery School Water Supply
PROJECT DETAILS:
Construction was planned to commence in early October and all materials were bought and transported to the site by the end of September. The building team – led by Kioko – arrived on site at the beginning of October and started immediately. With 6 skilled Masons and Carpenters and 10 casual workers from the local community, work went along at a brisk pace. It was important to have all the materials on site in good time in case the rains should come early, because if they did then we would not be able to begin the construction.
The original timescale for this project was 3 weeks and that is exactly the time it took to complete the work.
A freshly built water tank needs water in it to keep it ‘sweating’ so that cracks don’t appear and it remains in good condition for many years to come. Now there is a 75m3 capacity block-built tank which is sealed to keep the water fresh. This is connected to a secure water catchment system from the roof of the church building to ensure the water remains clean as it enters the tank and an easy to maintain water distribution point that will serve this community for many years to come.
BUDGET:
For a project like this to succeed it takes a large number of people to work together – especially for fund raising – so that the full amount is available for the building work to start. Various sponsored events were organised with Water Walk Teams, individuals and Churches. These Walks were a challenge for people to try and walk 12 miles – this replicates the average distance most people in Kajiado have to walk in order to find water. This gave people a glimpse of what it might be like to actually have to walk this distance for that most basic of commodities – water.
The total amount raised for Lemasusu was £16,220.54.
Project costs amounted to £12,625.14. Leaving a balance of £3,595.40, plus a cash balance of £876.43.
This makes the total amount available for the next project £4,471.83.
HUMAN IMPACT:
Now a community of more than 300 people will have a secure source of water for many years to come. The children attending the local schools will have more time to actually be in school now that their water supply is close to hand. I spoke to Elizabeth who lives nearby and this is what she said:
‘Just finding water here – never mind clean water – has been a constant challenge for many years and now that we have this new water tank beside us, it will make a big difference to all of our lives. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make this dream a reality.’
Now with a fully trained local Management Committee, this community is moving to a more secure future in terms of water supply. With the completion of the tank in October and the rains finally arriving in November there will be fresh water available for all these people for Christmas – what a gift!
We in WATER DROPS have numerous projects lined up for the coming year and we have confidence that we will be able to achieve them all because of our experience with the Lemasusu project.
Clean Water – Changing Lives continues to be a reality
Proverbs 11: 25 says: ‘The one who waters will himself be watered!’