New project increases access to safe and clean water for communities in Kaputir, Turkana County
Turkana County, 21st September 2021- World Vision today commissioned a major water project aimed at increasing access to safe and clean drinking water for human consumption and livestock use at Kaputir Ward in Turkana County, Kenya.
The total cost of implementing the water project was over five million Kenya Shillings (KSh.5,150,700). It comprises of a 40-metre deep borehole, 30,000-litre elevated steel tank, two water kiosks and two cattle troughs that are serving communities in the area.
More specifically, this water project is benefitting over 400 households, about 380 students from nearby schools and close to 5,000 livestock.
The new water project will save the community from perennial water challenges that have hampered it over the years.
Many used to walk for more than six kilometres to fetch water from nearby polluted rivers or streams. This exposed the community, and especially children to water-borne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid, which are leading causes of child deaths in the country.
In times of drought, most streams and seasonal rivers would dry up, consequently making the water shortage problem dire for the communities and livestock.
This is among the 15 (Fifteen) water projects that World Vision has implemented in Turkana County, amounting to 67,745,890 Kenya shillings since 2014 so at to ensure communities enjoy clean and safe water.
“When we have water closer to people's homes, it frees communities to participate in initiatives that foster development. Children will have enough time to study as they will no longer need to walk for long distances to fetch water. Women will also have time to engage in their preferred income generating activities instead of spending most of their time fetching water. The constant supply of water also ensures that livestock can survive in times of drought,” said Tom Masinde, the Manager for World Vision in Turkana County.
Aside from the water project, World Vision also commissioned a new modern bakery that supports vulnerable women groups in Kainuk to enjoy improved livelihoods and increased household income. The bakery has been equipped with baking items and equipment.
"This bakery supports vulnerable women. Some are widows while others are from homes with high poverty levels. It is changing their lives and enabling them to take good care of their children and families,” stated Masinde.
Editors’ Note:World Vision is a Christian, relief, advocacy and development organisation that is committed to improving the well-being of children, families and communities in Kenya. For over 40 years, we have partnered with communities, the Government, sponsors, donors and corporates to help the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and enjoy life in all its fullness. The organisation implements sustainable development projects in education, health, child protection, food security, economic empowerment, as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. World Vision has a vast reach in Kenya. Its transformative development initiatives are spread across 37 counties, nationwide. It serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
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For more information and press queries, please contact;
Tom Masinde, World Vision Manager, Turkana County,Email: Tom_Masinde@wvi.org,
Sarah Ooko, Senior Communications & Media Officer, World Vision Kenya, Email: sarah_ooko@wvi.org