”Water changed our village”

In Kenya, slums and remote villages often go without the water they need. With a population of 46 million, 41% still rely on contaminated water sources while 59% use unimproved sanitation solutions. Even ‘safe’ water kiosks come with risks, as 28-year-old Mary discovered…

A harsh reality
For over five years, Mary spent every day in her second home – a water kiosk in the local village. She didn’t mind the long days working: the money she made was just enough to put food on the table for her family. But in the Spring of 1999, people began to fall ill, so she couldn’t sell the water anymore.

A lifeline
“Water truly changed our village. Our health, our work – everything depends on it. The whole village is involved in the upkeep of the pipeline.” Today the story is very different. An engineered pipeline – built during a Dorcas project – delivers clean drinking water to thousands of people on a daily basis. Mary has a job, and enough money to send her son to school. She smiles: “Water truly changed our village. Our health, our work – everything depends on it. The whole village is involved in the upkeep of the pipeline.”

Lasting impact
Two engineers are responsible for the maintenance of the pipeline – which stretches over 33 km long. 13 staff members work at the local water kiosks. And, during the installation, many villagers received specialised Dorcas training which provided them with insights and practical knowledge on hygiene, health and the prevention of diseases.

Just like Mary, the community takes nothing for granted. They pray to God every day for their continued health and wellbeing. 

29 April 2019