This project has been completed under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Ben Switzer.
To read about the beginning of the project, CLICK HERE.
The project was to build a rainwater catchment system for the school.
Ben reports:
Scope of the Project
This project was for a second rain catchment system for the Kamagambo Day School compound. Kamagambo is the village that is within the Rongo District of Nyanza, Kenya. This rain catchment system is just a basic gutter and tank system, but this has a much shorter gutter system.The project will assist the entire compound whose needs range from thirst quenching to kitchen usage to farming needs. The school has even moved the kitchen position around the new water source. They also put an irrigation path from the spout to the farm.
Work Done
This project had several phases. The first phase was to construct a platform/foundation for the water tank. To be more sustainable, the school decided to use their own money in the construction of a concrete foundation over a wood platform.After the completion of the foundation, the tank, tap, and gutters were purchased. Water Charity funds were primarily used for the purchasing of this equipment and transporting it to the school.
The cost for the “fundis” (workers) to erect the rain catchment system was bypassed because the school employees constructed the new gutters.
The tank was placed on the foundation and the gutters were regular plastic gutters (three 9-foot gutters). The gutters were installed at the lengths of one of the new classrooms.
Description of System
The tank has a diameter of about 2 meters, so the concrete foundation was precisely measured in order to fully support the base of the tank. The base of the tank is equipped with a tap that is capable of being locked. By providing this locking aspect, it fends off unauthorized use of the water catchment system.Moving up, the 5,000-liter tank was stationed at the end of 25 feet of gutter that travels the length of the school’s new classroom.
Community Commentary
The principal said that this was another great step in making changes to the organization of the compound and utilizing its small area.The kitchen was re-positioned to be more conveniently placed near the new water source. This involved some discussion between the principal and deputy principal of the secondary school.
When the kitchen workers saw the second tank installed for the first time, the new cooks were so happy. They said, “Soooooooo Smart.”
We are grateful to Ben for completing his third project in partnership with Water Charity.