By Sunil Lalvani | Project Leader
Dear donors,
Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!
Every quarter we share an impact update, you have helped us create via the Fathers & Kids Camping impact project that brings sustainable safe water access to three schools in neighbouring communities of Mutwamaki, Ulutya and Kavwea in Machakos County, rural Kenya.
As you are aware, the safe water in the communities is flowing since June and the kiosks have officially been handed over to the communities as of September 2020. Opening the taps in the midst of the global pandemic has been a challenging experience for the entire Project Maji team. Nevertheless, we navigated these curveballs and many more to ensure the three communities have safe water access.
What is new? E-payment systems
The three solar-powered water kiosks now feature an e-payment system that securely collects water payments. Payments are made through pre-paid RFID tokens, topped up by cash or mobile money. The nominal water payments that make up this revenue stream, are set through community consultation and consensus to ensure patronage. Users tap their tokens at the e-pay reader and out pours clean and safe water. The water payments are channelized to a dedicated bank account, accessible for maintenance and repairs to safeguard the long-term viability of safe water supply. The E-payment system solves the waterpoint maintenance crisis and ensures communities have 24-hour access to water at the touch of a tap. It also significantly cuts down queueing and water collection times, accelerating access to water, and positively contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the kiosks in the long-run.
What is next?
Sadly, John Otieno, our project manager in Kenya is one of the victims of the Corona virus and we wish him a speedy recovery. In our next update we will share the outcomes of the post impact survey we are conducting in each of the communities. This will provide real insights in the social benefits of providing safe water, quantifying how it has transformed lives.
Thank you for your extraordinary commitment to provide sustainable access to safe water in Mutwamaki, Kavwea and Ulutya in Machakos County, Kenya. Project Maji, but more importantly, the communities are very grateful for your support.
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