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 Shallow well, Lake Magadi, south-west of Nairobi The countryside around Lake Magadi in south-west Kenya is one of the driest areas in the Rift Valley. The lake itself is dry - even if it coloured blue on maps - and a source of soda ash and salt. Only when it rains do the lakes fill up with water not fit even for the animals to drink. The Karamae shallow well is a community initiative. The local villagers approached the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) for help to install a well for domestic use. There are several wells and water points in the Rift Valley, but they are used by animals too so the water is not fresh, and the surrounding area isn't clean. Sokorte Leshinka is now chairman of the committee that looks after the well. He has three wives, 11 children, 30 cows and 100 goats. He told BBC World Service that he is proud of the well that he guards. Despite being a bit salty, his family use it for their domestic water. They still take their animals to the water point further along the valley. Shown how to fix it A fence surrounds the well and there is a gate to keep the animals out. But the pump is easy to use and safe so even children can draw water. The committee was involved in the installation of the pump and they have been shown how to fix it if something goes wrong. ITDG has also organised a workshop for the water committee so that they can learn how to manage the pump. More wells planned As chairman it is Sokorte Leshinka’s job is to make sure that the pump is in good condition, the gate is kept closed and whoever draws water doesn’t ruin it. He is a volunteer. When his time as chairman expires his position will be put to the vote. The committee’s plan is to put more wells along the valley so that clean safe water is brought closer to where the villagers live. Related website:  Intermediate Technology Development Group
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Listen to the radio series: Solutions parts 1-4
BBC World Service visited the Karamae shallow well, in February 2003 |
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