safe water and l.e.d. lighting operatives · pdf filesafe water and l.e.d. lighting operatives...

SAFE WATER AND L.E.D. LIGHTING OPERATIVES WORLDWIDE

THE PROJECT IN NYANDO DISTRICT

(NYAKONGO PROJECT) – PHASE 2

August – September 2010 Field Notes Author: Otieno Nickson Otieno

Following the successful launch of the SWALLOW’s

Biosand Water Filtration Project in Nyakongo

Community (Ayweyo Sub-location), we spent several

months analyzing the sustainability of the model

used to launch the project.

From our surveys and discussion, it was clear that

we couldn’t make much impact without providing

more opportunities for community participation.

Thus, after much discussions amongst ourselves and

upon completion of my coursework (bachelor of

architecture), we decided to launch the second phase

of Nyakongo biosand filtration project. I moved to

Nakongo and initiated a discussion with the

community about our plans, armed with funds for

purchasing materials to build 10 filters. In the

following pages, I give an account of what transpired.

Photo: Mr Otieno (right) with some of the community members after launching participatory model for the project.


PARTICIPATORY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

A. ATTENDANCE:

18TH AUGUST 2010

1. Nickson Otieno – SWALLOW-Kenya

2. Meshack Omwono – “

3. Fredrick Odhiambo - “

4. Elly Ogwedhi Ochieng’ - “

5. Odhiambo Oyare

6. Jenipher Muga – Kimira

7. Pamela Achieng – Kimira

8. Jackson Nyang’oro – Nyakongo (Support Group)

9. Mary Adongo - Kakola (Support Group)

10. Peter Apela Olale – Kakola, (Support Group)

11. Francis Nyang’oro Owuo - Kimira

12. Ogonji Orera – Nyakongo

13. Charles Matito Aloo - Clinical Officer in-charge of Nyakongo Dispensary

14. Godfrey Oyuga

15. Damaris Abande – Sister, Nyakongo Dispensary (replaced Josephine; hails from the community)

16. Molly Achieng’ – Support Group

17. Rosemary Aluoch - Support Group

18. Dorothy Atieno - Support Group

19. Elida Lusi Magero - Support Group

20TH AUGUST 2010

1. Nickson Otieno – SWALLOW-Kenya

2. Meshack Omwono - “

3. Wilson Magati Akong’o - Ex-Assist. Chief Ayweyo Sub-Location

4. Jackson Nyang’oro - Nyakongo HIV Support group


5. Mary Adoyo – “

6. Mary Achieng’ Akoth - “

7. Lydia Achieng’ - “

8. Rose Walter Aoko - “

9. Elizabeth Achieng’ - “

10. Lilian Adhiambo - “

11. Pamela Achieng’ - “

12. John Otieno

13. Blastus Onyango

14. Nahashon Omondi

15. Henry Okwacho

16. Alloyse Odhiambo

17. Washington Kenyatta

18. Francis N. Owuo

23rd AUGUST 2010

1. Nickson Otieno

2. Meshack Omwono “

3. Wiliam Ojodo Odera

4. Erick Ogutu

5. Jackson Nyangoro

6. Francis Nyag’oro

7. Blasto Onyango

8. Mary Atieno Ayala

9. Leonida Adhiambo Awino

10. Margaret Juma Lang’o

11. Elas Achieng’ Stafa

12. Hellen Akong’o Odhiambo

13. Maureen Atieno

14. Dorina Mita


15. Jane Awino Oloo

16. Alloyce Odhiambo

17. Peter Osida Onditi

18. Benter Aoko Akoth

19. Festo Aloo

20. Susan Gudo

21. Margaret Sombe

22. Syprosa Bonyo

“

B. REVIEW

As Fred already mentioned, it was very difficult to get the community buy the idea of getting them volunteer their time/labour/resources toward making the

filters that would benefit them. I thank God that after 3 days of antagonism, we managed to have consensus with few members of the community on a

participatory project, established a community elected Committee to lead collaborations with SWALLOW and established strategy/work plan for the project.

I’ll capture this process in details in the comprehensive report. In brief:

Community members agreed to begin work on 24th August 2010;

Work for 4 hours a day – start at 9 a.m. till 1 p.m., share lunch, hold brief meeting to review day’s work and get voluntary supplies for the next day’s

meals then break for the day.

No work over the weekend: Sat. and Sun. are Sabath days; besides, it is the only time for homemaking.

They would contribute lunch:

o Maize, Beans, Milk, Vegetables

o SWALLOW’s input minimal (no more than KES 200 per day) to fill in any gap; motivational

They would try as much as possible to transport prepared filler material (bicycles, donkey)

Fetch water from a nearby pond;

Provided another Water tank at the dispensary to harvest rainwater for washing.


COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR SWALLOW’S NYAKONGO WATER PROJECT:

Executive Office:

Names Position Area/clan/village Phone Number Blasto Onyango Chairman Kuth Awendo +254 (0)729258741 Festo Aloo Secretary Nyakongo 0724555332 Treasurer Elsa Achieng’ East Kano 0725471006

Community Representatives:

Names Area/clan/village Phone Number Nyang’oro Jackson Ogango 0720-441221 Peter Osidi Onditi Waradho 0715-038415

Erick Omollo Yogo 0712-656808 Benter Aoko Akoth East Kano/Katolo 0711133748

William Odera Ojode Nyakongo 0728-041753 Hellen Akong’o Waswa 0726957308

Ex-officio

1. Meshack Omwono – SWALLOW’s Nyakongo Project Officer

2. Godfrey Oyuga (Jakinda) - Nyakongo Dispensary Representative -

The committee would among other things:


FILTER CONSTRUCTION PARTICIPATION

NAMES

PARTICULARS

PARTICIPATORY PROJECT

PLANNING MEETINGS

FILLER PREPARATION

TRAINING AND INSTALLATION

18th 20th 21st 22nd

23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th

29th 30th 31st 1st 2nd 3rd

Nickson Otieno - - - -

Meshack Omwono

Elly Ogwedhi Ochieng’ - - - - - - - - -

Fred Odhiambo - - - - - - - - -- -

Blasto Onyango

Festo Aloo

Wiliam Ojodo Odera

Erick Ogutu ×

Jackson Nyangoro Apology

Francis Nyag’oro

Mary Atieno Ayala Leonida Adhiambo Awino × × × ×

Margaret Juma Lang’o × × × ×

Elsa Achieng’ Stafa × ×

Hellen Akong’o Odhiambo

Apology

Maureen Atieno × × × ×

Dorina Mita

Jane Awino Oloo × × × ×

Alloyce Odhiambo

Peter Osida Onditi Apology × × ×

Benter Aoko Akoth × × × ×

Susan Audo × × × ×

Margaret Sombe × × × ×


Syprosa Bonyo ×

Colleta Awuor Ochieng’ ×

Jane Atieno Odhiambo × × × ×

Susan Kaunda

Carolyne Anyango × × × ×

Wilfrida Ogada × × ×

Margaret Ombogo ×

N/B

3 previous beneficiaries: Robert, Alloyce (Mother received) and Francis Nyang’oro (Rose Molly Achieng’s husband) volunteered throughout this

phase of the project.

DAILY WORK OUTPUT/NOTES:

Tuesday 24th August 2010:

12 buckets of fine sand sieved; a truck of sand sieved through the ¾ inch sieve; ½ truck of sand sieved through ½ inch sieve.

Wednesday 25th August, 2010:

- 18 buckets of fine sand sieved; entire truck sieved through ½ inch sieve.

Thursday 26th August, 2010:

- 17 buckets of fine sand sieved; entire truck sieved through ½ inch sieve; 4 buckets of fine sand washed


- 10 buckets of ½ inch sand dried. Following previous night’s rainfall, drying of the sand was a big issue

Friday 27th August, 2010:

- Given that it was a public holiday occasioned by the promulgation of the new constitution, people agreed to work from 8:30 am till noon

- 7 buckets of fine sand sieved; remaining ½ inch sand dried

- 10 buckets of fine sand washed

- I, accompanied by Mr. William Ojode toured Nyakongo village to assess toilets and general sanitation.

o It was shocking to learn that 70% of those engaged in the project had no latrine at all; 20% in deplorable conditions; 10% under

construction; only 10% in good state. The community’s need for proper latrines/toilets cannot be over-emphasized.

o The worst challenge to building and maintaining latrines in this area is drainage (leading to premature crumbling of the pit’s walls)

o As I thought about the situation, I realized that constructing VIP latrines presents a good opportunity for training the community in making

compacted concrete blocks or rammed earth blocks which they could also use to build better houses (based on self-help/cost-sharing

models). Half of the people that might need LED lights don’t have good roofs to hold them.

o From the biosand filters, we’ll accumulate enough sand (1/2 inch rejects) to be utilized in this project.

- Granted that I was departing for Nairobi in the evening, we held 1 ½ hours meeting with the committee to review the project and agree on the next

steps. The following are the highlights of the project:

o The committee expressed their commitment to be involved in the project beyond this current phase. We promised to continue working with

them both in the upcoming phases of the biosand project as well as in new ventures. The chairman would oversee the replacement of two

members of the committee (Peter Osidi and Benter Akoth).

o 14 committed community members were identified to receive the filters during this current phase. We reported that we had enough BSF

casing (15:– 5 c/f, 3 lacking the lids) though we feared that sand/gravel might not be adequate. It was agreed that committee members

would be the last to receive the filters.

o We (Meshack and I) recommended that the committee considers mobilizing community members involved in the project to initiate some

group income generating activity i.e start from a Village Saving and Loaning (VSL) scheme that could help members improve their

livelihoods.

This was driven by my observation/concern that even though the community now embraces the importance of cost-sharing in

managing SWALLOW’s projects, they would not be able to volunteer much time, food materials in the future (especially during the

annual famine. I thank God we tried the participatory model just after harvest when most members of the community still have some

food in their stores.


The committee liked the proposal; it decided to hold the first meeting with community members already involved in the project on

Saturday 4th September 2010 for brainstorming (they invited Meshack to attend). This would also serve to keep them connected and

active as they wait for further support from SWALLOW.

o As I shared with Takaya of the possibilities of contacting GTZ regarding the possibilities of training the community on making efficient

cooking stoves, I had already contacted their regional officer in-charge of Western Kenya. She’s just waiting for introductory documents from

our side to review if they can collaborate with us.

Monday 30th August, 2010:

- 20 buckets of washed fine sand (for 10 filters) as well as 2-filter quantity of washed ¾ inch gravel transported to the beneficiaries’ homesteads.

o Some of the beneficiaries came further away from Judy’s house (where Meshack and I installed last)

- Last sieving of fine sand accomplished.

- Preparation of the BSF casing started

Projection for Tuesday 30th – Wednesday 1st September:

- Complete BSF casing preparation

- Complete Washing gravel

- Training on the operation and maintenance of the filters

- Installing of the filters

N/B: Installation might delay to Thursday

Logistics for installation:

- Because of training and the need to spend as few days as possible during installation, I instructed Meshack to work with Elly as from tomorrow.

- I hired a motorcycle through my brother George (from his friend) so as to bargain for cheaper price. George would cycle, dropping and picking

Meshack and Elly at their respective installation sites (materials delivered in advance by the beneficiaries).


Publicity/Diplomacy

Martin (advocate) advised that without complete registration with the NGO board, it’s prudent we operate as development partners supporting local

Community Based Organizations (CBO) or NGOs to avoid legal risks. This way, if need be we can show the proof of registration in Canada and explain that

we are in the process of attaining full registration in Kenya.

The major risk he mentioned is: if anyone (indiv. or org) exposes us in a negative sense so as to question the legitimacy/credibility of our operations, we

would be disqualified from conducting any further transactions as an NGO.

Population:

There are two developments in Kenya that I need to pay attention to in getting estimates/human population in Nyando district:

i) The 2009 National Census conducted by the Ministry of Planning and Vision 2030

ii) August 4th Referendum and the Promulgation of the New constitution which has ushered in changes in the national and local boundaries as well

as administrative structures.

- i.e 47 counties replacing 8 provinces with Nyanza province being divided into 6 counties, e.g Kisumu County encompassing Nyando, Nyakach,

Muhoroni (beyond Awasi), Kisumu Town West, Kisumu Town East and Kisumu Rural Consituencies.

- Besides, within 5 years, the provincial administration (including chiefs and assistant chiefs’ offices) shall be restructured to accord with and respect

the system of the established devolved government.

Strategy:

The chairman/representative was to approach each village elder to inquire about the population of their area and utilize this opportunity to

popularize the project.

o The secretary, supported by the rest of the committee members is compiling data for the total population of the area we are currently

operating in, in terms of homesteads per clan.

I will try to get the population of Nyando District once the official results of last year’s census are released (on 31st August 31, 2010). Local district

offices only had figures of the 1999 census


Water Quality Testing:

Granted the short time I had, I couldn’t take many samples with me, nether could I establish appropriate labs for doing the tests.

Nevertheless, I carried with me two samples of Filtered water to Nairobi: from the dispensary and Rosemary home (the filter you installed with Elly). Dirty

water: Rosemary’s source pond and rain water from the tank at the dispensary (most people use this water directly for drinking convinced that it is very

clean and safe for drinking).

I have since established that it could be possible to conduct the tests at one of the University of Nairobi labs (Upper Kabete Campus) as well as at the Kenya

Bureau of Standards (KEBS) labs, www.kebs.org; KEBS have their Lake Region Office Kisumu. I am visiting KEBS offices today (TUE) to inquire about the

tests.

BSF Casing Standardization:

I am calling Vyatu Ltd. today as well.

Email: info@

Items to be availed:

1. Additional fine sand sieves: I needed to purchase mesh for making more fine sand sieves but I had limited time to do proper search for the same in

Kisumu. In the course of this week, I will visit big hardware shops, Kens Metal and Doshi companies in Nairobi (Scott mentioned them as their

suppliers).

2. Cooking Pots:

3. Cart:

Status of the previously installed filters:

To report on this in the subsequent email.

http://www.kebs.org/

safe water and l.e.d. lighting operatives · pdf filesafe water and l.e.d. lighting operatives...

Documents