Introduction
In the arid heartlands of Loitokitok, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro lies the Bondeni community—a place where water scarcity once plagued the daily lives of its residents. However, this story is not one of despair but of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.
Bondeni Community, in collaboration with AIS, GIZ, and Solargen, embarked on a remarkable journey to provide sustainable access to clean water, bringing hope and prosperity to this vibrant community.
Their journey from water scarcity to a solar-powered solution was not without challenges, but it is a story of unwavering determination and innovation.
The genesis of Bondeni community water project
In 2006, a group of dedicated individuals within the Bondeni community recognized the pressing issue of water scarcity. The increasing population and intermittent water supply due to disputes with Tanzanian farmers necessitated a permanent solution. Fueled by a shared vision, community members initiated the Bondeni Community Water Project.
The project’s early days saw residents laboriously laying pipes from Loitoktok town to Tanzania, capturing the pristine waters of the Kilimanjaro mountain catchment area. This ambitious endeavor aimed to provide a lifeline to the community, ensuring a consistent, clean water supply. For months, these residents enjoyed the sweet waters from the mountain, but issues arose with the Tanzania farmers after a while, and their pipes were destroyed. This left the community with no water and no water lines. Desperation forced them to explore alternative solutions. Desperate times called for creative solutions. The community began buying water from vendors (mikokoteni) and clean water suppliers, but this was expensive. They also attempted rainwater harvesting during the rainy season, but this proved insufficient to meet their needs.
A borehole for stability
A permanent solution presented itself in the form of drilling a borehole. With the invaluable support of Danish donors, the project team decided to drill a borehole. This borehole would serve as a lifeline for the 250 registered households, ensuring a consistent flow of clean, accessible water.
While the borehole initially provided hope, challenges arose when the cost of water distribution became prohibitively high. The borehole used a diesel-powered generator and electricity to supply water to the community. " In a day, we would fill the tank three times, using Ksh. 3,000 a day, so in a month, we would spend Ksh.90,000. But even then, some members only got the water once or twice a month, which started conflicts and disagreements." The chairman, Mr. John, said when we asked him how much it cost.
For the past two years, the Bondeni Community faced water scarcity due to poor generator installation by an unlicensed worker, resulting in a loss of over Ksh. 300,000 and reliance on water vendors. The Bondeni residents had long given up on consistently flowing, clean, accessible water. But their hope was restored when some members heard of AIS and its innovative solutions.
In April 2023, Bondeni Community members learned about AIS and its innovative solutions through the Solar Champions and Wezesha Training. Inspired by AIS’s success, they visited the Wezesha Demo Farm, where they witnessed the transformative power of solar technologies. Encouraged by what they saw, the community, in collaboration with AIS, GIZ, and Solargen, decided to embark on a solarization project for the borehole. With Solargen providing quotations and AIS and GIZ contributing 30% of the project cost, they successfully solarized the Bondeni Community Water Project at a cost of Ksh 1,876,339.00.
On September 12th, 2023, GIZ, AIS, and Safaricom Foundation commissioned the Bondeni Community Water Project, serving 253 households in Bondeni. As the community looks to the future, they do so with renewed optimism. They have implemented what they learned from the Wezesha program, with 90% of members cultivating kitchen gardens and growing vegetables and fruits in their homes.
The Bondeni Community Water Project is a testament to the power of collective action, determination, and partnerships. It showcases how a dedicated community, with the right support, can overcome adversity and create a sustainable future. “It is possible. As a community, we need to be united, and we can achieve anything,” the chairman said during the commissioning.
Conclusion
The Bondeni Community Water Project is more than just an infrastructure development initiative; it’s a lifeline for a community that has faced the harsh reality of water scarcity. It showcases the power of community-driven solutions, resilience in the face of challenges, and the unwavering spirit of individuals committed to improving the lives of their fellow residents. As Bondeni continues to evolve and grow, one thing remains constant: the belief that access to clean
water is a fundamental human right, and the project’s journey is far from over. It’s a story of perseverance, hope, and the promise of a brighter future.