The residents of this area thus face a major challenge, given the scarcity of water for them and their animals. The scarcity is further worsened with the increase in population as a result of the refugee influx in the area, as well as an increase in the number of animals being reared. Little rain is experienced through the year, sometimes as little as 10% of normal rains being received.
Some of the challenges faced as a result include long trips in search of water, which poses security risks. Residents at times end up consuming contaminated water, increasing the threat of contracting water borne diseases. Animals, which are the main source of livelihood for the communities are not spared in the scarcity, many of them succumbing to death due to thirst in worst case scenarios. With little vegetation during drought for them to feed on, they may also end up starving to death. RRDO realizes many of the challenges faced by the communities and has undertaken a number of projects over the years. The following are the latest projects implemented by RRDO with continued support from our sponsors.
Weldoni water supply project
Weldoni village, Dadaab District was the beneficiary of the project carried out between November 2012 and June 2013. This project, implemented by RRDO with support from NRC, involved drilling and equipping a borehole, construction of a water outlet through a water kiosk, installation of an elevated water tank, construction of two latrines as well as two water troughs for livestock. For sustainability purposes, RRDO facilitated the community to form the Water Users Association (WUA) and trained 2 pump operators to run the water pump and the genset.
This project resulted into availability and easy accessibility of 204M3 of water to over 2,000 people and 30,000 livestock on a daily basis.
To ease the water related challenges that the Maleyley2 community was facing, North Water Services Board drilled a borehole in 2013 but the borehole was not equipped. To complete this borehole and supply water to the community, RRDO with support from UNHCR equipped the borehole by constructing and installing the following facilities.
A submersible pump
Elevated water tanks
A water kiosk
Livestock water troughs
These activities were undertaken and completed between April and May. 1,080 persons as well as over 6,000 livestock in Maleyley village now have access to potable drinking water. Families that used to trek for 5 hours and a distance of more that 3kms looking for water can now draw water from the kiosks at their doorsteps
Sanitation and Hygiene
RRDO’s commitment to ensure sanitation and hygiene is driven by the risks the host community face due to poor hygienic practices. Related diseases can easily spread due to the congestion of refugees in some areas.
To tackle this problem, RRDO with support from our sponsors has made sure that well equipped latrines and water stands and sinks are part of every structure constructed. With more water supply projects, each school, health post and other facilities are well equipped with means of ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene.
In collaboration with our sponsors, RRDO also continually facilitates host communities to conduct clean up exercises as well sensitizing them on the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
