Report: D2W6: Lower Sordo Well

Funded by the Irani Family, The Samburu Project drilled and installed a shallow well equipped with a handpump in this community.

Depending on where one lives, the distance was 5 - 7 km each way to a mountain stream. Now it is 100m - 1 km away. Water is used to bathe, wash clothes, cook, drink and to water the livestock. Women now have time to be with their families and raise their children. They also have time to care for animals. Others have been able to look for jobs in town, buy food in the market and fetch firewood to sell. Some women have planted trees at their homestead and use the water on them. Livestock are now healthier and there are fewer waterborne diseases. They would sometimes meet wild animals on the long walk, and they are much safer now that they do not have to go so far. They never even thought a well was possible. When they got the well, they began to live 'in the light'. If the well were to break, they would go back to the darkness and problems of the past.

The community agrees by contract to pay for maintenance costs. Each well committee collects approximately $250 per year for this purpose. In order to ensure well functionality and monitor its use, The Samburu Project spends approximately $160 per year per well. This comes from our general fund, which is maintained by individual donations.

The fence was stolen and a permanent one is necessary. The community has plans for a permanent fence and to start a small farm. They would like to hire a guard. They suggested having a source of power to pump water--suggested wind. Need to research.