The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) is set to desilt seven earth dams and construct seven new sand dams in Athi Ward to alleviate the area’s chronic water shortage.
This initiative is part of the Nature Plus Project, funded by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) and implemented by the council through the United Church of Canada (UCC) in the Ward. The project aims to enhance climate change resilience and boost livelihoods.
The construction of these dams is a key step toward long-term solutions to Athi’s severe water shortages, which have plagued the region for decades.
You May Also Like
“For many years, residents of Athi ward have had severe water challenge, this has been manifested through continued decline in agricultural productivity in the area, however, the situation is about to change,” said Andrew Nyamu, Nature Positive Project Coordinator.
“NCCK Nature positive project support to desilt seven earth dams and construct seven sand dams will increase water availability and build economic pathways at household and community level, on top of the water structures, the provide will support 30 Churches and 30 schools with water tanks to support tree nursery establishment for greening of the institutions” added Nyamu.
Athi Ward has erratic and unreliable rainfall patterns, limiting people’s access to safe and affordable water. Many communities are forced to walk long distances in search of water or buy water from pricey borehole suppliers, where the water is typically salty and unsafe to drink.
The dams will be essential in harvesting and storing water during the rainy season, maintaining a steady supply for home and agricultural usage all year.
Sand dams, built along seasonal rivers, reduce water flow, allowing sand and debris to accumulate. This accumulation not only helps retain water but also serves as a natural filter, cleaning the water by eliminating pollutants.
Similarly, communal earth dams will harvest rainfall for later use, eliminating dependency on distant and often expensive water sources.
The dams will boost food security and livelihoods by providing communities with water for agricultural purposes. This will also eliminate the need for lengthy trips in search of water, freeing up time for other productive pursuits.
In addition to constructing the dams, NCCK has provided training on sustainable water management and conservation measures, such as rainwater collection.
The residents of Athi Ward expect that with these water management measures, the longstanding dilemma of water shortage will finally be addressed, ushering in a new era of sustainability and prosperity for the neighbourhood.
“A new era is on the horizon for Athi Ward, as the dam projects promise more than simply water for home and agricultural purposes. They will also play an important part in reforestation efforts by delivering much-needed water for tree planting and ecosystem restoration,” said Simon Mule, Athi Community Head of Developments projects.
While expressing his gratitude to the NCCK and CFGB, Mule called on the locals to actively participate and support the establishment of the 14 water structures.
Mary Musau, a local, said, “The dams bring much-needed relief, particularly for women who have long been forced to go considerable distances in search of water. With establishment of the dams, local women will no longer have to spend hours on these difficult journeys.”
More Stories
Kenya Railways Announces Additional SGR Trips to Meet Rising Passenger Demand
Father Jailed for 30 Years for Defiling Stepdaughter
KRA Appoints George Obell as Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers Department
Gospel Artist Betty Bayo Passes Away
Bishop Emeritus Philip Sulumeti Passes Away at 88
