Access to clean water is a major issue for the Watha people. Although there is a constant threat of crocodile attacks as well as the possibility of contracting cholera and typhoid, the only option for many Watha is to collect water from nearby contaminated rivers. The Watha Project, working with village elders and volunteers, will construct a fifth well to provide clean and safe water to hundreds of Watha and provide water and health education to all, drastically improving their quality of life.
According to the WASH Joint Monitoring Programming Report (2019) by the WHO and UNICEF, only 59% of Kenyans have access to basic water services. Kenya has the third largest number of people (9.4 million) in sub-Saharan Africa who drink directly from contaminated water sources, including the Watha tribe. Beyond the contaminated water, which can breed diseases like cholera and typhoid, the Watha also face the danger of crocodile attacks. Building this well will ensure their health and safety.
The Watha Project, under Guyo's leadership, plans to build the fifth well in Kenya to serve the Watha people. This well will allow community members to avoid the dangerous river while having access to a safe water source. Furthermore, because the well will be centrally located, women and children will not have to walk as far to collect water. This reduction in time spent fetching water will improve their quality of life.
The fifth well in the Watha community will serve hundreds of people and have a tremendous impact on their health and well-being. The Watha's ability to access clean and safe water from a centrally-located well will save lives and change them for the better. Access to clean water not only improves health outcomes and safety, but also diminishes the labor and time required for its acquisition, especially for women and children.
