Meeting Everyone

Jambo, Habari ya Asubuhi

Today, at around 9am we were able to meet with Aggrey Ogossi (Kisumu County Representative) who drove us to the Kisumu County office to meet with the Minister of Water, Energy and Natural Resources, Professor Barack Obonyo, and Kisumu County Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ruth Odinga Busia. We found out that the Minister had spent 13 years studying in the United States before he moved to Kenya to run for office. Both the Minister and the Deputy Governor were very enthusiastic about the project and convinced us that we have their full support.

After this long period of speeches, we were taken to the Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology; classes were not in session, but we had a short tour of their labs and workshops. Finally, we arrived at the community and we met Kolunje community residents, WatSan officials and other members of the school board outside under a beautiful, shady tree. Most of the meeting was carried out in the communities native language, Luo. Though we didn't understand what they were saying, we laughed and clapped along with the rest of the audience. Our team introduced ourselves and the project. We gave out pamphlets, answered questions and got to know the community members a bit better.

After conclusion of the meeting, we had a taste of African hospitality as we were offered lunch prepared by the community members. It included ugali, sukuma wiki, chicken and some chapati.
 
Here are some pictures from our meetings today.

First Visit to Kolunje

Today, Peter and Grace Oduor, representatives of ECODS, met us at our hotel. After telling him about our plans for this trip and asking him questions regarding the community, we set out for Kolunje. The 30 minute ride led us to the small rural village where we were greeted by Simon Okingo and William Mbeke who were part of the Water and Sanitation Committee (WatSan), the group which will hold responsibility of the project when it is finished. We also met William's uncle, who was a highly respected village elder. They showed us the locations of the the two potential drilling sites, both of which were predicted to yield water. These sites are located on the grounds of the Arch-Bishop Okoth Secondary School. Here, we took measurements to ensure that the drill sites were far enough away from any nearby latrines. We also took a look at the newly built power lines along the road which we will need for the electric pump. We will visit the other school and hospital tomorrow when we are also going to hold a community meeting and a meeting with WatSan.

One of the roads on the way to Kolunje. Not exactly the smoothest ride we've been on.

Water for Those in Need

Started in 2010, the Kolunje Water Supply Project is an effort by the Engineers Without Borders - USA (EWB-USA) Rutgers Chapter in conjunction with its NGO, Endelevu Community Development Services (ECODS), to implement a sustainable system which will provide the community of Kolunje, Kenya with a much needed reliable source of clean drinking water. The community, with a population of 7200, currently gets water from a number of unprotected sources which are prone to carrying life-threatening waterborne diseases.

In 2010 and 2011, work on the project began with two assessment trips to Kolunje to survey the area and determine the best route to meet the community's needs. The project team decided that the best solution was a borehole well located on a site adjoining two schools and a health clinic. The well would be fitted with an electric pump and a storage tank to provide water straight to the schools and health clinic via taps and also to nearby community members. The total target population of the project was estimated to be approximately 1300 people.

After the assessment trips, work continued in the US with design. The team decided that employees were needed to oversee the system and collect money from water sales (the water will be sold at a price set by the community), so a guardhouse was added. To make the system more secure at night, a masonry wall was added.

What the proposed system might look like.

In order to finance such a large project, the team also required fundraising efforts. Grants, donation campaigns, and bake sales, and other events all helped to raise the money the team needed to achieve their goals. Now, after years of work, they have raised enough money to travel to the site and begin construction.

From August 5 to August 24, the nine people of the travel team will be in Kolunje for the first phase of implementation. During this trip, the team will drill the borehole for the well and hold meetings with the community. If all goes as expected, the well will bring enough water for a flow rate 10 gpm. On the other hand, it is possible that the well will be dry and the team will have to resort to other options to continue the project. But, for now, let's be hopeful that this is not the case!

While in Kenya, the travel team will be sending out updates regularly here on this blog, so check back often to see how we're doing. We cannot wait to share the stories of our progress!

Thank you to any and all who helped with or supported our project. Our trip would not have been possible without your contributions!