In March 2023, Marsabit County experienced a much-needed breakthrough as it received its first substantial rainfall following four consecutive failed rainy seasons. However, the pastoralist communities have little cause for celebration amidst this hope. They have endured unimaginable losses, devastating their livelihoods and forcing many to rely on humanitarian organizations and government assistance.
To address the dire situation, Strategies for Northern Development (SND), in collaboration with Oxfam and funded by Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft (BEH), implemented a program in several villages, including Bubisa, Walda, Dadach Ellele, and Badanrero. This program aimed to support the drought-affected communities by alleviating water scarcity and inadequate sanitation.
A total of 432 households were targeted for distributing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) non-food items, and more than 3,744 people benefited from solarization and fencing activities at the Mudham and Crusher boreholes, including the neighboring villages.
Solarization and Fencing of the crusher borehole. Photo Susan Wamuyu/SND
A few kilometers from Bubisa village, we meet Mr. Umuro Ramata, the Chairman of the Crusher Borehole Committee. This borehole was identified by the program for solarization and fencing to serve the Crusher and neighboring village people, which comprise around 1,044 people.
"I cannot thank SND enough for this initiative. Our borehole tank has never been full before, but this is the new normal for us now," Umuro shared, his serious expression transforming into a smile.
During SND’s interaction with Umuro, we learned that the cost of fetching a 20-liter jerrycan from the borehole has halved, mainly due to the reduced operational expenses.
"Initially, we used approximately 20 liters of diesel daily to run the borehole, but with the solarization, the amount has reduced to about 4 liters per day," explained Umuro. "The community has also benefited because now they can fill a 20-liter jerrycan with only two shillings and five cents, compared to the previous cost of five shillings”, he added.
There is also more control for the committee afforded them by the fencing that has been implemented, as revealed by the Chairman.
"We have limited both human and animal interference, making the facilities at the site safer.”Umuro.The borehole operations committee is comprised of four male and three female members. They meet once a week to discuss costs, profits, challenges, and how to best maintain this beacon of hope and resilience for the entire Crusher community in Turbi/Bubisa Ward of Marsabit County. More than a hundred kilometers from Crusher, the program made similar improvements to the Mudham Borehole, which serves over 2700 people in the Badanrero and neighboring villages.
Access to improved sanitation and safe water is a fundamental human right that promotes public health and well-being. The implementation of this program aimed to achieve that and aligned itself with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.