Location
Ndumbu, Machakos, Eastern Province, Kenya
Community Description
Machakos is a town in Kenya, 64 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. It is the capital of the Machakos County in Eastern Province of Kenya.
Ndumbu is located within some hills outside of the market town of Mumbuni, and is comprised of subsistence farmers. The families rely on a local well for all household uses, including drinking, bathing, cooking and washing. The next nearest source of water is located 3 kilometers away.
The well is located on a slope but the water table is high enough there that water is present year-round. The water rises during the rainy season and is low during the two dry seasons, July-September and December-February, when there is 5 to 10 inches of water in the bottom of the well.
Problem Addressed
The well is an open hole that is surrounded by gravelly soil. Anyone approaching the well faces a danger of slipping and falling in due to the steep slope and unstable soil. It is subject to erosion and contamination, and drawing water during the dry season is difficult.
Project Description
This project is to improve the well by building walls to improve its safety and reduce contamination.
The project will be implemented under the direction of the Mbaa Ndolo Self-Help Group.
The well will be dug down in order to make the water level high enough to reliably draw water, even in the dry season.
Walls will be built approximately 15 feet in height to reinforce the sides of the well and prevent further erosion and provide easier access to the water.
The well will be 6 feet in diameter. The walls will be reinforced with metal bars and built from concrete and brick. The top will be level to provide a base to implement a long-term plan to enclose the well and to install a metal hand pump.
The community will donate all unskilled labor, sand, and bricks.
Water Charity funds will be used to purchase materials, including cement, metal bars, and wire.
The skilled labor will be provided by a local mason, who will either donate his time or be paid by the community.
Project Impact
200 people who rely on the well will benefit from the project.
Peace Corps Volunteer Directing Project
Jane Duncan
Comments
This is an important infrastructure project for the community. It will ensure that water is available during all seasons, improve the safety of drawing water, and provide some protection from the entry of pollutants. The community is motivated to implement this project as part of a long-term plan to improve water resources.
Dollar Amount of Project
$555.00
Donations Collected to Date
$555.00
Dollar Amount Needed
$0.00 – This project has been fully funded through the generosity of Marilyn Williamson of Cherry Log, GA, USA, with the help of friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteer Jane Duncan.
We encourage others to continue to donate using the Donate button below, and we will notify Jane of your donation. Additional funds will be used to fund the next project by Jane 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.