ICA Japan - Kenya 2003

The submersible pump in Maliku market had been sucking in sand particles, which in turn lowered the yield of the water. The pump was reinstalled and produced cleaner water (as seen in the top picture on this page), and thus lowered fuel costs.

Year 3 focused on refining the operation of pumps that had been put in place, extending the distribution of the water, and assuring the sustainability of the project through continually upgrading training and building the capacity of all those involved.

Participants in a June borehole maintenance training seminar learned how to clean a wet air filter.

One of the two female participants in the borehole training learns how to use a diestock machine to make pipe fittings.

Teamwork greatly enhances productivity and fosters a sense of community and cooperation. Here, trainees work together to make pipe fittings.

Mr. Masone and Kyambusya community members placed pegs at a surveyor's measurement sites which will identify where to dig a trench for a pipe extension.

This 2.1 km. long trench in Kathungi was dug almost entirely by community people. They used sisal ropes to make it straight.

ICA Kitui is working to decrese the need for women and children (traditionally the water collectors) to have to travel great distances to acquire water. Using safe and modern technology and comprehensive, participatory training we continue to expand the water distribution system.

By September, the Kalundu river was already dried up. Villagers have to travel up to 10 kilometers, and dig 1-meter-deep holes to acquire water.

We visited the Davis and Shirtliff Co. in Nairobi to see a demonstration of solar pumps and panels. These will require no running cost other than occasional cleaning, and keep the cost of water to 2 Kenyan shillings (3 Japanese yen) or less per 20 liters.

All 10 borehole committees attended the Water Union Meeting in August to discuss how to improve accountability and transparent finances, and to share information with the entire community.

Locally hired workmen dug the foundation for a 20 ton water tank in Kathungi to be used for the extension of the system.

The water tank tower, here supported by wood, is made of steel wire and concrete, in a concrete foundation.

After three weeks of letting the structure concrete set, it was then plastered, and the 20 ton, 20,000 liter tank was raised onto the tower.

Quarter 3 brought an election, a huge water tower and continued extension of the water system programme.

Community members line up to signal their vote for members nominated to the Water committee. All 10 boreholes elected new members, including a female finance manager.

Two parallel solar pumps power the water flow, and this 40x120 cm. solar panel produces a peak power of 75 watts to the pumps.

The panel was placed on the borehole so it is less visible, then set in concrete. Children were educated not to play safely near the panels so as not to damage them.

Fred, who is handicapped, keeps the clearest records from among the 10 boreholes. He desperately wanted to attend 5-day Water System Training in Kitui in December, and ICA made that possible. Handicaps should not be viewed as an obstacle to participation.

No matter how effective the technology, and how precise the installation, it will not be sustainable without participatory training for and primarily by local people.

This woman attended training with her baby.

Each borehole manager received a contributed bicycle to help them inspect pipelines, ride to purchase fuel, and collect money. They must maintain the bikes themselves and return them in good condition at the end of their term. The bikes gave a great boost in morale.