ChildFund has launched the Nyagina Beach, Water Ultra-Filtration Treatment Project cost of Ksh. 7.3 million to increase equitable access to safe, clean, adequate, and quality water for domestic use through construction an of ultra-filtration treatment plant in Rusinga Island, Homa-Bay County. The 10-month project funded by DuPont will increase access to clean, safe water and reduce time taken by women and girls to fetch water from the lake which exposes them to dangers such as attacks by crocodile and hippopotamus.

The project will also contribute to women and girls’ empowerment, support increased equitable access to safe, clean water, and help the larger community build a better future by increasing knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the importance of drinking safe, clean water to prevent water-borne diseases as well as other hygienic practices.

Speaking at the launch Dr. Issa Kipera, ChildFund Program and Sponsorship Director noted that “Rusinga island is surrounded by fresh waters of Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world; yet the area is characterized by chronic water shortages due to pollution affecting the water quality and the living conditions of local people. The lake is polluted by sewerage, unpurified wastewater, industrial waste, over fertilization and pollution with alien plant and fish species making the lake a major breeding ground for waterborne diseases and its water is no longer safe for human consumption”. He urged the community to join hands in preserving the environment through sanitation activities to eliminate communicable diseases around the lake.

DuPont’s Technical Sales Manager for East and West Africa Mr. Alex Mucheru said “Providing equitable and inclusive access to safe water for drinking and domestic use is one of the most effective instruments in promoting health and reducing poverty. Safe drinking water, sanitation and good hygiene are fundamental to health, survival, growth, and development for human beings.”

The sixth United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Achievement of this goal will also have a major contribution to the third SDG; “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” by ending waterborne diseases. According to WHO water safety and quality are fundamental to human development and well-being.

The chief guest Mr. Abraham Kemboi the Deputy County Commissioner- Mbita Subcounty reiterated the need for behaviour change in promoting sanitation around Nyangina Beach. “Bathing in the lake can easily be stopped because the people around this area were able to greatly reduce HIV prevalence through behaviour change despite the deep culture and societal prejudices that surrounded the pandemic.” He also reiterated putting an end to open defeacation and promoting proper domestic waste disposal as ways of ensuring the success of the project. “ChildFund and Dupont have planted a seed here at Nyangina Beach today and it is up to us as a community and administration to ensure it is sustainable so that we can buy the same equipment for other beach management units within this area.”

The project will be implemented in partnership with Davis & Shirtliff Ltd. who will provide technical support in assembling and installing the plant in the project area and supporting the community in servicing the plant.