Last month, solar water desalinations units were officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony in Ndauni Market for community members of Kitui County to use, an important step in increasing access to clean water and improving livelihoods.
The units, which purify water from an existing borehole, are part of Solar Water Solutions (SWS) Kenya’s ‘Solar Spring Water Project’ and combine digital technology with solar solutions and science to transform water using zero energy costs and CO2 emissions. They are under the care of the community water committee and operate from early morning until evening.
The units are fully solar-powered, independent of external energy sources thus minimizing the need for transportation of water over long distances. They also have a ‘Solar Water ATM’, which is an automatic water dispenser using Kenya’s M-Pesa revenue collection and payment system.
The Solar Spring Water Project is one of six pilot projects implemented in partnership with the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD), and is the brainchild of Eng. Mary Njue, a long-time practicing water engineer who was concerned about the plight of women and the overall community in accessing clean drinking water in rural Kitui affordably.
The journey to access clean water has been long for Kitui South residents who depend on the community borehole. While the borehole provided access to water, unfortunately it was not suitable for drinking due to its high salinity levels and other impurities. Community residents still walked 10-20kms to fetch water from the Athi River, which was also polluted.
SWS Kenya has set up units nearby the existing boreholes. Saline water is then pumped from the boreholes into a purification unit before it is pumped up to the 10,000 liter storage tanks for community purchase.
For the full story with background and images, visit SNV.