World Vision Launches Water Project in Partnership with the Nakuru County Government

Nakuru County, 9 June 2021 - Children and families in Salgaa, Nakuru County, can now enjoy access to clean and safe water, thanks to a water project implemented by the County Government of Nakuru in partnership with the Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company and World Vision Kenya.

The water project, worth over KSh.15 Million (15, 369, 354) was commissioned today at Belbur Village in Salgaa. It comprises of a borehole that is equipped with a solar powered pump, a 24,000-litre elevated steel tank and a three-kilometre pipeline that distributes the water to schools and communities in the area.

Currently, the water is benefiting over 800 pupils at Belbur Primary School, as well as 300 households in Belbur Village. It is helping address the numerous water, sanitation and hygiene problems that have affected communities in Salgaa for many years.

According to statistics from the County Government of Nakuru, 75 percent of the population in Salgaa does not have access to clean and safe water. Residents, especially women and children, walk for an average of five kilometres to nearest water points such as streams and rivers that are often contaminated. This exposes them to water borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea and typhoid.

"We are happy to launch this water project today. It is our dream for children and families to enjoy clean water that is easily accessible. This protects children from diseases and allows them to learn and play, as they will no longer spend so much of their time walking for long to search for water which makes them tired and strains their bodies," said Lilian Dodzo, the National Director for World Vision Kenya.

H.E Lee Kinyanjui, the Governor for Nakuru County noted, “This water project is among the many that we plan to implement in Salgaa and the broader Nakuru County so we can ensure that our dream of universal access to safe and clean water for communities in Nakuru is achieved.

“Before you brought us this project, we had many challenges especially when going to school. We had to carry two jerricans of water to school. Now, we can get water, we can wash our classrooms every now and then. We can also wash our hands frequently and maintain good hygiene,” stated 14-year-old Nevian, a pupil at Belbur Primary School.

The Water Project is a flagship initiative of World Vision's Salgaa Area Programme (AP), which was launched today in Nakuru County.

The new branch seeks to transform the lives of children and families in Salgaa through development projects in education, health, water provision, child protection, food security and economic empowerment

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 38 counties, nationwide. It serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

ENDS

For more information and press queries, please contact;

County Government of Nakuru,Reitz Mureithi, Email: rizmureithi@gmail.com

World Vision Kenya, Sarah Ooko (Senior Communications & Media Officer ),Email: sarah_ooko@wvi.org