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Shallow wells in Kitui & Mwingi Districts, Kenya
This year, part of the the project has concentrated on consolidating gains realized during phase one of the project. In this regard, efforts were directed towards protection of shallow wells for members to safe guard the wells from collapsing and ensure provision of safe drinking water for human consumption. Unprotected shallow wells often collapse and filled up with soil thus reversing all gains made. To assist farmers develop permanent small scale water point, the project acquired high cost materials such as cement and skilled labour to construct permanent walls (line the well walls with bricks and cement) for beneficiaries. Beneficiary farmers were required to gather locally available material such as sand, gravel and also provide unskilled labour and food for the artisans. All the protected shallow wells were hand dug and range between 30 ft to 90 ft in depth; the deeper the well the higher the construction cost. Construction was done during the driest part of the year when water table is lowest to ensure water availability throughout the year. Construction work was done in close collaboration with the District Water Office; this was to ensure that the correct specifications and technical supervision is done for quality results.A total 17 shallow wells were protected; 5 in Ngomeni division and 12 in Nuu division. The protection included lining of the wells with bricks and cement, reinforcement with metal bars, construction of a concrete slap at the surface, concrete cover and a well designed drainage system; protection was done to:-
- Protect the shallow wells from damage caused by rainwater runoffs
- Protect the well from unhygienic conditions at the well head etc
Unprotected shallow wells pose great danger to children, livestock and can also be hiding places for dangerous reptiles and insects that endanger the lives of the users; the protected shallow wells are now safe for use. In addition to provision of water for human and livestock consumption, farmers are using water from the shallow wells to establish small vegetable gardens, planting of fruit trees such as pawpaw and in growing of high value fodder tress for feeding the zero grazed goats.
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