Shallow well project contributes to improved health for women and girls

PWRDF began partnering with the Utooni Development Organization in Kenya in 2019 on a project to build shallow wells. In 2022, that project expanded into its second phase, working in Machakos, Makueni and Kajiado counties. Approximately 2,500 people will be affected directly, and 6,800 people will be affected indirectly. The project concludes in September 2025.

The goal the Shallow Wells for Health Project phase 2 is to reduce the impacts of climate change on women and girls. Specifically, it will:

• Increase the number of households accessing water from improved water sources.
• Reduce the time and distance it takes for women and girls to access clean water.
• Reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
• Improve transport of water by vulnerable female-headed households.

UDO engages local expertise and contributes technical knowledge to determine sites for shallow wells that have an abundance of water nearby. Community members have contributed labour and resources, which has proven effective in ensuring community ownership. UDO also engages with community groups to identify households that would benefit greatly from receiving a water tank to store potable water close by, as well as a donkey or carts to reduce barriers in carrying water.

Last year, four female-headed households received donkeys and three women groups received 10,000-litre water tanks to implement their group activities. Six shallow wells strategically located near water sources were established, which notably reduced the time and effort needed by community members to access clean water. Installing solar pumps and hand pumps at these wells has improved water accessibility and reduced waterborne diseases. Despite challenges posed by heavy rains experienced between October and December 2023, established wells did not sink and community groups have resumed their work.

Through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training and promoting safe hygiene practices, the project addresses the specific hygiene needs of women and girls and the incidence of waterborne diseases. Simple practices such water treatment, ensuring community access to sanitation facilities and hand washing are effective in reducing infections. To date, 20 shallow water wells groups have been trained on WASH best practices.