The Gift of Water
After all the discussions and debates about setting up WATER DROPS it’s hard to believe that, not only is it set up, but we have completed our first water project in Kenya. I returned home from Kenya at the beginning of December and have a real sense of satisfaction at what we have achieved in such a short time frame.
Starting something new always comes with risks, but with considerable help and support from family and friends we can safely say that we are up and running. While it’s a relief to be doing actual work on the ground in Kajiado we also need to hit the ground running here at home in 2021 to keep this momentum going.
The whole ethos of WATER DROPS is to help rural and remote communities to access clean and safe drinking water – and that is exactly what we have achieved with this first project in Oltiasika, in Kajiado County of southern Kenya.
The existing underground water tanks were not covered and in a sad state of repair. The only way to access the water was to throw a container down into the water and draw it up. All manner of debris fell into it and the water wasn’t even close to being usable – but people did, because there was no other choice.
With our project complete, now all the tanks are covered, the walls and floors have been repaired and renewed, and a syphon system installed to allow the water to flow directly into containers and ready to then get carried back to the villages.
What a gift for this community at Christmas time!
When I spoke to some of the women who use this water supply, I asked them what difference this water distribution system will make to their lives. This is what they said
‘Clean water will make a big difference to our way of life and will especially improve our health and wellbeing.’
There are approx. 2,000 people who will benefit from the water in these tanks and about 2/3 of them are children under 10 years old.
The opening and dedication ceremony which was held on Wednesday 18th November 2020 – attended by several local leaders – had a real sense of thanks and gratitude to finally have a source of clean water that was dependable and sustainable. The following words were echoed with a loud and clear voice:
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them;
I the God of Israel will not forsake them (Isaiah 41: 17)
As 2021 begins we want to make sure that we continue this model, working in partnership with communities and local leaders. Before I left Kenya I visited five more areas where water is their biggest challenge. These will all be presented on the website fully planned and estimated in the New Year.
As we go forward in faith into 2021 we will continue to need your help if we are to achieve our goal of bringing water to more remote communities. There are very few – if any – other organisations working on water projects in these areas so what we are doing takes on a sense of urgency.
Clean Water – Changing Lives!
The gift of clean water is not only for Christmas!
If you would like to help in any way – and maybe even by visiting one of our projects – please get in touch on one of the following ways:
Email: ronnie@waterdrops.uk
Phone: 07563400614