Location
Magunga Village, Suba District, Nyanza Province, Kenya
Community Description
Magunga is a rural community located in the southwest corner of Kenya just a few kilometers southwest of Lake Victoria. It is a close-knit village, situated in the middle of the scenic Gwassi Hills in Suba district.
Due to deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, the land has fallen victim to soil erosion and desertification. Suba District also has the highest percentage of reported HIV infections in Kenya.
Magunga Township Secondary School had its first class of form fours this year. In the 3 years since it opened, the population has more than doubled. With the influx of students, the demand for water has also risen.
The school is often forced to buy water, which adds a significant cost burden to the school in a community where many of the students orphaned by HIV lack the resources to pay their school fees.
Project Description
This project is to build a rainwater harvesting system to provide water for drinking and irrigation of the school’s crops and trees.
A 5,000-liter polyethylene Kentank will be purchased and transported to the site. The tank will be placed adjacent to the newly built laboratory.
The tank will be placed on a ¾-meter cement platform, which will be constructed. It will be fed from water piped from newly installed gutters. A tap will be installed at the bottom of the tank to draw the water.
Below the water outlet, a cement trough will be created, so any wastewater, such as from cleaning of bowls and plates, can be collected and used to water the surrounding crops.
The school will employ 2 skilled masons from the local community. Any additional unskilled labor will also come from local community members, as well as students.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase and transport the majority of the materials, as well as to pay the workers. Any overages will be covered by the school and community.
Water will be treated as needed. Excess water and crops produced at the school will be sold to the community.
Project Impact
140 students and 300 surrounding community members will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Margaret Guin
Comments
This project will provide a reliable source of clean water for the rising population of the school. In addition to the health benefits of safe water, the project will result in financial benefits for the school, which has limited resources to provide for the educational needs of the students.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$337.50
Dollar Amount Needed
$217.50 – This project has received major funding through the generosity of the Elmo Foundation, with the expectation of additional donations from the friends, family, and supporters of the Peace Corps Volunteer.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify the Peace Corps Volunteer of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by the PCV and/or those of other PCVs in the country of service.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.