PROJECTS

Project areas: Health, Education, Civil society, Environment

Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A., in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development, is addressing water scarcity issues in sustainable ways. The Sombeza Water and Sanitation Improvement Project (SWASIP) was implemented in water-scarce regions of Coast Province, Kenya where limited water supply limits the amount of food people can grow and contributes to poor health. In areas such as these, climate change is becoming the ‘new normal,’ requiring long-term and locally appropriate solutions.

This project assisted communities to increase their access to clean water and sanitation facilities, helped those communities store their water and use it wisely, and empowered them to continue better water management independently. Nearly six miles of pipeline paves the way for wider distribution of clean water to families. In addition, small reservoirs and drip irrigation systems help farmers grow more nutritious crops. Tree nurseries, also established through the project, enrich the soil with nutrients as well as provide job opportunities.

SWASIP's health and hygiene campaigns encouraged individuals, including children, to be proactive with their health. Using an innovative approach, Community Led Total Sanitation, SWASIP mobilizes communities to build latrines and install hand washing facilities in their homes with their own resources.

New latrines in 25 schools provides nearly 10,000 school children healthier learning environments. Unlike the United States where restrooms are found in nearly every home and public venue, over 20 percent of rural Kenyans do not have access to a sanitation facility and are forced to use the brush or an open field. New bathrooms in schools prevent the spread of disease and encourage regular class attendance, particularly for girls.

As with all of our projects, an integral component of this initiative was sustainability. To help ensure that progress made is long lasting, SWASIP established and trained Water User Associations to manage and maintain the project’s water infrastructure. With sufficient training, the associations can continue SWASIP’s improvements for years to come.

By the end of three year project, vegetable production around rock catchment facilities and small farm reservoirs (which improve access to water for drinking, agriculture, and livestock) increased by over 20%, availability of latrines in schools improved considerably and the percentage of households with latrines nearly doubled. The project has already benefited nearly 40,000 in 83 villages. More clean water means better living conditions and healthier families.

Sombeza Water and Sanitation Improvement Program (SWASIP) is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation and the Community Health Department of Aga Khan Health Services made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.